In a significant political crisis, the Edo State House of Assembly has impeached Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu. Mr. Shaibu was found guilty of disclosing government secrets by a seven-member court panel led by retired Justice Stephen Omonua, the assembly’s majority leader Charity Aiguobarueghian told the lawmakers.
The panel made two key findings and recommended impeachment based on the disclosure of classified information, although they could not substantiate the perjury allegation.
Voting took place, with 18 members supporting the impeachment and one abstaining. Clerk Yahaya Omogbai confirmed that the required two-thirds majority was met. Consequently, the Assembly adopted the panel’s report, resulting in the immediate removal of Mr. Shaibu from office.
Speaker Blessing Agbebaku instructed the clerk to provide copies of the impeachment notice to Governor Godwin Obaseki for approval. While the charges presented follow the appropriate process, the speed and one-sided nature of the impeachment raise concerns. Only time will reveal whether due process was strictly followed, given the weighty decision to remove an elected official before the end of their term.
For now, this political drama signals turbulent times in Edo State politics. With control over both the executive and legislative branches, the aftermath of this impeachment could have significant implications for governance and security in the state in the foreseeable future.
