By Milcah Tanimu

In a recent development at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice James Omotosho declined an oral plea to halt the impeachment proceedings initiated against Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu. The judge cited the failure to serve Governor Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly with the Originating Summons of the suit as required by law.

Granting Shaibu’s request, Justice Omotosho authorized the serving of court documents on Obaseki and the state House of Assembly through substituted means. The court directed that the papers be affixed to the entrance gates of the Edo State Government House and the state House of Assembly Complex in Benin. Additionally, all court documents are to be served on the parties involved using a registered courier company.

Further proceedings on the matter have been adjourned till April 15.

The impeachment proceedings against Shaibu were triggered by allegations of leaking government secrets, as initiated by the Edo State House of Assembly on March 5, 2024. Following this, the Assembly requested the Chief Judge of the state to form a seven-man panel to investigate the accusations against Shaibu.

In an attempt to halt the impeachment process, Shaibu filed a suit before Justice Omotoso, seeking an order to restrain the defendants from proceeding with the impeachment. However, the judge has twice refused to grant temporary relief to Shaibu, emphasizing the necessity for proper service of court documents.

The ongoing impeachment saga underscores the strained relationship between Shaibu and Governor Obaseki, which intensified when Shaibu expressed interest in contesting in the Edo governorship race later this year.