By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
A Federal High Court, Abuja presided over by Justice James Omotosho today, set aside the impeachment of Comrade Phillip Shaibu as the deputy governor of Edo State.
Justice Omotosho ordered that Shaibu be reinstated to office because the legislators failed to comply with due process in the impeachment proceedings.
Justice Omotosho also set aside the appointment of the new deputy governor Mr. Godwins Omobayo, age, 37, who was instantly sworn in to replace Comrade Shaibu on April 14 by Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
The trial judge held that the allegation on which the House of Assembly based the impeachment proceedings was untenable in law and did not constitute gross misconduct.
He ordered the Inspector General of Police to provide him with needed security to enable him to resume office and perform the functions of the office until the end of his tenure.
The impeachment followed the consideration of the report of the seven-man panel set up by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
18 out of the 20 members who attended the April 14 sitting including Speaker Blessing Agbebaku voted for the impeachment while one member did not participate in the impeachment exercise.