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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The seven-man panel set up by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate the allegations of misconduct levelled against the deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, began sitting on Wednesday.
The panel, headed by Justice S. A. Omonuwa (Rtd), was set up by Okungbowa following the resolution by the state House of Assembly, which initiated the impeachment process against Shaibu.
At Wednesday’s sitting, the House of Assembly was represented by the deputy clerk (Legal), Mr Joe Ohiafi, while Shaibu was represented by Prof Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN).
The impeachment process is believed to be the latest development in the conflict between Shaibu and his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, which allegedly began when Shaibu announced his intention to run for governorship seat.
A statement issued by the administrative secretary of the panel, George Odidi, last Thursday read: “Take notice that consequent upon the inauguration of the above panel by His Lordship the Hon. Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Okungbowa, in line with Section 188 Subsection 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the said panel shall commence sitting at Judges Conference room, New High Court Complex, Benin City on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 10am prompt.
“Parties and/or their counsel are expected to be present on that day while the complainant is expected to be ready to present its case on that day.”