By Editor
The Edo State deputy governor, Philip Shaibu has repeatedly shunned the investigative panel set up by the Chief Judge (CJ) of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate the allegation of perjury and revealing of government’s secrets levelled against him.
Newstracktoday gathered that this might not be far-fetched from the submission of the 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.
He 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.