A public analyst and lawyer, Justice Osai Ahiakwo has cautioned state governments and Houses of Assembly against trivializing impeachment proceedings as contained in the 1999 Constitution.
His caution arose from the Edo State House of Assembly which reportedly impeached the deputy governor, Philip Shaibu over alleged leaking of government secrets.
In an interview with journalists in Calabar, Ahiakwo called on Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State to respect the rule of law and the court’s judgment.
He advised government agencies to avoid any further attempts to politicize or challenge the decision of the Appeal Court which affirmed the ruling of the high court that reinstated Shuaibu as deputy governor of Edo State.
Ahiakwo said the position of the appellate court is a clear message that impeachment proceedings as contained in our 1999 Constitution must be strictly adhered to and not based on trivialities.
He said the judgement from the Court of Appeal is no other than validating the trial Court’s judgment.
“The severity and sensitivity of the case cannot be obliterated by any political gimmicks.
“It, therefore, means that the earlier the Edo State Government comes to terms with the reality that Philip Shaibu is the Deputy Governor of Edo State the better.
“Edo State Government must accept the court’s decision and recognize Philip Shaibu as the legitimate Deputy Governor of the State,” he said.
Also reacting yesterday, former presidential aide Chief Okoi Obono-Obla had asked 38-year-old Engr. Omobayo Godwin, appointed by Governor Obaseki to replace Philip Shuiabu, to return all the salaries he earned while serving as deputy governor of Edo State.
“Omobayo Godwin has to return all the salary and allowances paid to him from the day of his purported appointment until the day of the pronouncement of the Court of Appeal.
“The purported deputy governor appointed by Governor Obaseki after the impeachment of Shaibu is illegal, wrongful and unconstitutional.
“He was never a deputy governor of Edo State in the eyes of the law,” he said.