The Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) has filed an appeal against the judgment by Justice J. K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified the impeachment of former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.
The lawmakers have also requested a stay of execution on the judgment pending the outcome of the appeal.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, Shaibu was impeached after the EDHA adopted the report from a seven-man investigative panel established by the state’s chief judge.
The panel, led by Justice S.A. Omonua (retd.), investigated allegations of perjury and leaking of government secrets against Shaibu. The former deputy governor refused to appear before the panel.
The impeachment was carried out by a vote of 18 out of the 19 Assembly members present at the plenary, with one member abstaining from the vote.
Following Shaibu’s impeachment, Governor Godwin Obaseki appointed Omobayo Marvellous Godwins as his new deputy to complete the current term, which ends on November 11, 2024.
The appeal and the request for a stay of execution reflect the ongoing legal and political battles in Edo State, as the Assembly seeks to uphold its decision amid judicial challenges.