The embattled Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu has refused to appear or participate in the proceedings of the seven-man panel set up by the state Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate the allegation of misconduct levelled against him by the Edo State House of Assembly.
Represented by his counsel, Professor Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), Shaibu argued that his stance on the order of an Abuja Federal High Court, which gave an interlocutory injunction for further proceedings and adjourned the matter to April 8, 2024.
But counsel to the House of Assembly and Deputy Clerk, Legal, Edo State House of Assembly, Ohiafi Joe, said that the panel’s sitting was supported by the provision of the constitution which forecloses any court from preventing the House of Assembly and the panel from discharging their constitutional responsibilities.
The seven-panel panel is headed by retired Justice S. A. Omonuwa, and was set up by Justice Okungbowa following the resolution by the Edo State House of Assembly which initiated the impeachment process against Shaibu.
