Edo State’s Majority Leader, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, has dismissed claims regarding a recent Court of Appeal ruling that purportedly upheld the Federal High Court’s decision to overturn the impeachment of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu. Aiguobarueghian labeled these assertions as inaccurate and misleading.
Last Tuesday, there was considerable debate surrounding the Court of Appeal’s alleged confirmation of Justice James Omotosho’s ruling, which nullified Shaibu’s impeachment by the Edo Assembly due to a lack of due process. The Court also purportedly mandated Shaibu’s reinstatement while negating the appointment of Omobayo Godwins as his successor.
In a conversation with journalists, Aiguobarueghian clarified the details of the situation. She explained, “During the impeachment proceedings, Shaibu initiated a lawsuit aimed at halting the process, which was overseen by Justice Egwuatu. However, while this case was active, he was impeached. The newly appointed deputy governor then sought to dismiss the case, claiming he was no longer interested in its pursuit.”
She continued, “Shaibu subsequently filed a motion to amend the case, requesting that his name be reinstated as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. He also sought to change the proceedings from an originating summons to a writ of summons, both of which the court approved.”
“This motion was the basis for our appeal to the Court of Appeal, which we pursued as an interlocutory appeal. Simultaneously, Shaibu filed a separate lawsuit under his name, which was addressed by Justice Omotosho. On July 17, Justice Omotosho ruled in favor of Shaibu in this latter case, prompting the Edo State House of Assembly to file an appeal against that decision, with the Attorney General of Edo State also submitting a separate appeal.”
Aiguobarueghian elaborated, “On Tuesday, all three appeals were presented, and we decided to withdraw the interlocutory appeal concerning Justice Egwuatu’s ruling. However, that ruling did not officially recognize him as deputy governor.”
She rounded up by stating, “Regarding the main case in which Justice Omotosho declared Shaibu the victor, the appeal documents were served on him today, giving him five days to respond. We were also allotted five days to reply to his response. After this, the case will move forward for a decision, but as of now, no ruling has been made regarding the impeachment.”
