Philip Shaibu Denounces Illegal Impeachment, Calls for Defense of Democracy in Edo State

Philip Shaibu, the former deputy governor of Edo State, has denounced his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly as an illegal and undemocratic act.

In a video shared on his X account, Shaibu criticized the impeachment, which he believes was orchestrated due to his ambition to contest the Edo Governorship election 2024 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The impeachment proceedings were initiated following the adoption of the report by a seven-man investigative panel set up by the Assembly to probe allegations of misconduct against Shaibu.

The panel, headed by Justine Stephen A. Omonuwa (Rtd), concluded its sitting without Shaibu or his counsel appearing.

Despite the panel’s ruling that it would adjourn for the last time on Friday to allow the respondent to defend himself, Shaibu did not appear, citing a case of enforcement of fundamental human rights at an Abuja High Court. The panel, however, decided to proceed with the report.

The impeachment was carried out by a dramatic vote that saw Shaibu ousted from his position, with the proceedings having begun earlier in the week.

The allegations against Shaibu included constitutional breaches, which were investigated by the panel.

In his video message, Shaibu called upon the people of Edo State and the nation to stand up for democracy, emphasizing that this impeachment is not just an attack on him, but a threat to the very foundation of the democratic principles that the country holds dear.

This event has sparked discussions and debates on the state of democracy in Nigeria, with many questioning the legality and implications of the impeachment.

The situation remains tense as the nation watches for further developments.