Shaibu’s lawyer recuses himself in objection as Assembly Clerk provides testimony to panel

The inaugural sitting of the impeachment panel established by Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate allegations against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu was not without some mild drama.

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The panel, which was constituted following an impeachment notice served on Shaibu by the State House of Assembly, commenced its sitting at the Judges Conference Hall in Benin City on Wednesday, as reported by Obasanjonews.com.

Retired Justice S.A. Omonua was appointed as the chairman of the panel, with other members including Professor Theresa Akpoghome, Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu, Surveyor Andrew Oliha, Idris Abdulkareen, President Aigbokhian, and Mariam Erakhoba Ilavbare.

During the sitting, Shaibu’s counsel, Prof Oladoyin Awoyale, SAN, highlighted an Abuja Federal High Court ruling that ordered the panel to explain why an interlocutory injunction to maintain the status quo on the impeachment proceedings should not be granted to Shaibu.

Awoyale argued that until the court decides otherwise, his client would not be able to participate in the panel’s proceedings.

On the other hand, Joe Ohiafi, the Deputy Clerk, Legal, representing the State House of Assembly, objected to Awoyale’s submission, citing the provisions of Section 188 Sub-section 10 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.