The seven-man panel set up by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate the impeachment petition against the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, yesterday, ruled that the panel would continue its investigation, as there was no court order stopping it.
Shaibu’s counsel, Prof. Oladoyin Awoyale, had objected to the continuation of the investigation given the order of an Abuja Federal High Court, which adjourned the case filed before it by Shaibu till April 8, 2024.
The court had urged both parties in the matter to come and show cause why the court should grant or refuse the prayers for interlocutory injunction against the impeachment processes.
However, in his argument, Deputy Clerk, Legal, Edo State House of Assembly, Ohiafi Joe, who is the counsel for the House of Assembly had said that by provisions of the Constitution, Section 188 (10), no court has the right to prevent the House of Assembly, or the panel so set up from performing its constitutional responsibilities.
Ohiafi further argued that Awoyale must convince the panel that the provision of the Constitution had been altered for the panel to sustain his argument.
In his ruling, retired Justice S.A. Omonuwa, who is leading the seven-man panel, ruled that the panel would continue its investigation, as there was no court order stopping it.
Omonuwa said that the Federal High Court in Abuja only asked parties to come and show cause and not restrain the panel’s sitting, adding that the panel is protected by Section 188(10) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
