By Editor
Today, 8 of April, 2024 is the D-Day the political watchers in Edo State and across the state are waiting for, to know who will be victorious among the trio of Philip Shaibu, the Edo State deputy governor, the state house of assembly who signed the impeachment letter against him and the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki whom they believed is fighting him (Shaibu) using the state house of assembly because he decided to dare him to contest the governorship election despite his warning not to participate because it is believed that it is the turn of the Edo Central.
Since the commencement of the panel set up by the Chief Judge (CJ) of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate the allegation of perjury and revealing of government secrets levelled against the state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, neither himself nor his counsel has honoured the sitting.
Counsel to Shaibu, Professor Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), who earlier prayed the panel to obey an interlocutory injunction by the Federal High Court, Abuja, billed for hearing April 8, 2024, said participating in the proceedings of the seven-man panel would amount to fait accompli.
However, counsel to the House of Assembly and Deputy Clerk, Legal Department, Joe Oaifi, argued that the panel’s sitting was supported by Section 188 (10) of the constitution which forecloses any court from preventing the House of Assembly and the panel from discharging their constitutional responsibilities.
However, at the Thursday sitting, where the House of Assembly was represented by N. U. Ibrahim, a Principal Legal Officer with the Assembly and two others, neither Shaibu nor his counsel was present.
The development further forced Justice Omonuwa (Rtd) to rule that the panel would adjourn to Friday, April 5, 2024, at 12 noon, for the last time, to allow the deputy governor to appear and defend himself
At the Friday sitting, the Assembly was represented by N.U. Ibrahim Principal Legal Officer, Edo State House of Assembly and two others: Favour Atakpu and William Omogbai, just as Shaibu and his counsel were also absent.
Ruling on the development, the Chairman of the panel noted that “the panel adjourned sitting for the last time for today (Friday ) to allow the respondent to defend himself.”
“The panel shall retire to go and write its report as required by the constitution”, Justice Omonuwa(Rtd), said.
Now, today is 8 of April, 2024 which is the date fixed for the hearing while the state panel has concluded theirs, waiting those who are to carry out the impeachment
So, the question on the lips of Nigerians especially those in Edo State is that, is the deputy governor Philip Shaibu going to be impeached today? Can he survive the storm? Will the Federal High Court, Abuja, billed for hearing April 8, 2024, (today) save him?
So, everyone is waiting with palpable anxiety of who among the three gladiators will laugh last because it is said he who laughs last, laugh best.