The seven-man panel set up by the Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate the allegation of gross misconduct levelled against the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, yesterday, fixed today, Friday, April 5, 2024, for Shaibu to appear before it to defend himself.
The panel took the decision, following the deputy governor’s absence or representation when it resumed sitting yesterday, in Benin City, Edo State capital. Chairman of the panel, retired Justice S. A Omonua, had called the defendant or his counsel to open his defence, but neither Shaibu or his counsel was present.
Following Shaibu’s absence, Justice Omonua called for an appearance for the plaintiff, the Edo State House of Assembly, which initiated the impeachment process.
The Legal Officer, Edo State House of Assembly, N.U. Ibrahim, announced his appearance for the Assembly with two others. The chairman, thereafter, said that the panel would wait to see if the defendant would open his defence.
The chairman then ruled that the panel would still adjourn to give the defendant the opportunity to appear before it to present his defence. Justice Omonua said: “The panel is adjourned for the last time to April 5, 2024, at 12 noon, to allow the defendant to present his defence.”
