The Edo State House of Assembly witnessed a significant development on Monday as 18 members voted to impeach the Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu. This decision followed the consideration of a report by a seven-man panel set up by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
During the House sitting, attended by 20 members including the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, the majority voted for the impeachment while one member abstained. The impeachment process began with the consideration of the panel’s report, which investigated allegations of perjury and leaking of government secrets against Shaibu.
Although the allegation of perjury was not proven, the House found Shaibu guilty of leaking official secrets. Following the voting exercise and confirmation of the impeachment by more than two-thirds of the House, Speaker Agbebaku declared Philip Shaibu impeached.
Shortly after Shaibu’s impeachment, Governor Godwin Obaseki announced Marvellous Omobayo as the new Deputy Governor of Edo State. Omobayo, aged 38, was sworn in at the Government House, Benin City, by Justice Daniel Okungbowa, the state Chief Judge.
Governor Obaseki expressed confidence in Omobayo’s ability to contribute to the state’s development agenda, emphasizing his youthfulness and energy as assets. In his response, Omobayo pledged to build on the achievements of the Obaseki administration and work towards a peaceful and prosperous Edo State.
Meanwhile, Philip Shaibu denounced his impeachment, describing it as illegal and an attack on democracy. In a video shared on social media, he refuted the allegations against him and called for justice to prevail. Additionally, the Conference of Registered Political Parties in Edo State condemned Shaibu’s impeachment, criticizing the process as biased and unjust.
The events surrounding Philip Shaibu’s impeachment underscore the political dynamics in Edo State and raise questions about the fairness and transparency of the process. As the state transitions to new leadership, the focus will be on ensuring stability and addressing the concerns of all stakeholders in the interest of Edo’s development.
