Controversy Surrounds Court of Appeal’s Alleged Ruling on Shaibu’s Impeachment

A wave of controversy erupted late Tuesday over reports that the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld a Federal High Court ruling quashing the impeachment of Comrade Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

According to the reports, the Court of Appeal confirmed Justice James Omotosho’s decision, which voided Shaibu’s impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly due to a lack of fair hearing. The ruling allegedly reinstated Shaibu to his position and nullified the appointment of Omobayo Godwins, who had been installed as the new Deputy Governor.

However, the Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, dismissed the reports as “false and misleading.” Despite this, Shaibu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed their satisfaction with the purported ruling.

Shaibu expressed his gratitude to God, the people of Edo State, and Nigerians, declaring the judgment as a victory for democracy and the judiciary. The APC also welcomed the decision, criticizing Governor Godwin Obaseki for his alleged disregard for due process and the constitution.

In a press statement, Edo State APC Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, said, “This victory highlights Governor Obaseki’s insensitivity to due process and his absolute disregard for the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which he swore to uphold. The APC is proud that the Deputy Governor has recognized the party’s role in his political journey and remains committed to upholding democratic principles.”

Despite these reactions, Hon. Aiguobarueghian provided a different account of the legal proceedings. According to him, the case Shaibu initiated during the impeachment process was originally presided over by Justice Egwuatu. After Shaibu’s impeachment, the newly appointed Deputy Governor moved to strike out the case. Shaibu then filed a motion to continue the case under his name rather than his former title, which was granted by the court.

Aiguobarueghian explained that the Edo State House of Assembly subsequently appealed this ruling, leading to ongoing legal battles. He clarified that the appeal heard on Tuesday was merely procedural, and no final decision on the impeachment case has been made. He emphasized that Shaibu’s claims of victory were premature, as the substantive suit regarding his impeachment remains unresolved.