Indication emerged Wednesday that the embattled Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Phillip Shaibu may have lost out again in his bid to stop planned impeachment as a Federal High Court in Abuja refused to grant his application.
The state House of Assembly findings by this medium revealed a fresh impeachment move against Shaibu after a botched attempt a few weeks ago.
Recall that the House of Assembly had on March 5, 2024, commenced impeachment proceedings against Shaibu over allegations that he leaked government’s secrets.
Shaibu had in an ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2024, sought an order of the court restricting the state House of Assembly, the Speaker and the Clerk from commencing any process by holding proceedings or setting up any panel of investigation for his removal, pending the hearing of a motion on notice.
But while delivering the ruling on March 13, Justice James Omotosho refused to grant his application.
In his argument, which was advanced through his lawyer, Prof Olawoyin Awoyale, (SAN), at the resumed proceedings on Wednesday, Shaibu requested for an order of status quo to be maintained by parties pending the hearing and determination of his motion on notice.
:The governor of Edo State and the Edo State House of Assembly who are the principal actors in the matter have not been served with the originating summons of the suit as required by law,” hee said.
The Judge, after hearing out parties granted the application seeking to serve the process on the Edo State Governor and the state House of Assembly by substituted means.
Justice Omotosho also ordered that the court process be pasted at the entrance of the Edo State Government House and the gate of the state House of Assembly Complex in Benin.
He also directed that all court papers be served on parties in the matter with the use of a registered courier company.
Justice Omotosho has adjourned the matter till April 15 for a hearing.
