The Federal High Court in Abuja has reinstated Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, following his impeachment. Justice James Omotosho ruled that Shaibu’s removal by the Edo State House of Assembly was illegal and unconstitutional.
In his judgment, Justice Omotosho declared the impeachment null and void, citing violations of Sections 188 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution. The court ordered that Shaibu be restored to his office and that all his salaries, allowances, and benefits be paid retroactively from April 8, the date of his impeachment, until the end of his tenure.
Additionally, the court issued an injunction preventing Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from hindering Shaibu in performing his duties. The Inspector General of Police was also directed to restore Shaibu’s security details immediately.
The court described the reasons provided by the Edo Assembly for Shaibu’s impeachment as weak and politically motivated.
