By Milcah Tanimu

The political turmoil within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State escalated on Wednesday as the Edo State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.

The Majority Leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian, announced the impeachment notice during plenary, revealing that the petition, dated March 5, was signed by 21 out of 24 members against the deputy governor.

Aiguobarueghian stated, “The petition against the deputy governor came in on March 5 and was signed by 21 out of the 24 members. The number of members who signed the petition was more than the two-thirds requirement stipulated in the constitution.”

The grounds for the petition included allegations of perjury and the disclosure of government secrets.

Acknowledging the receipt of the petition, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku instructed the Clerk of the House, Yahaya Omogbai, to serve Shaibu with the impeachment notice. Shaibu was granted seven days to respond to the notice of impeachment.

This latest development adds to the ongoing crisis within the state government, exacerbated by Governor Godwin Obaseki and Shaibu’s strained relationship since mid-2023 when Shaibu declared his intention to run for the governorship.

As tensions rise, the political landscape in Edo State remains volatile, with the fate of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu hanging in the balance amidst the impeachment proceedings.