Confusion and controversy erupted late Tuesday over reports that the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld a Federal High Court ruling quashing the impeachment of Comrade Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. The alleged ruling, which reportedly affirmed Justice James Omotosho’s decision to void Shaibu’s impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly, has been met with mixed reactions.
While some sources claimed the Court of Appeal upheld Justice Omotosho's verdict, reinstating Shaibu and nullifying the appointment of Omobayo Godwins as the new Deputy Governor, the Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Charity Aiguobarueghian, dismissed the reports as false and misleading.
Shaibu, however, celebrated the purported ruling, expressing gratitude to God, the people of Edo State, and Nigerians. He described the judgment as a victory for democracy and the judiciary. The All Progressives Congress (APC) also lauded the alleged ruling, criticizing Governor Godwin Obaseki for what they described as his disregard for due process and the constitution.
In a press statement, the APC Edo State chapter praised Shaibu for returning to the party and for upholding democratic principles. The party expressed support for Shaibu as he continues his tenure as Deputy Governor under the APC banner.
However, Aiguobarueghian provided a different account of the legal proceedings. He explained that while Shaibu had initially sought to prevent his impeachment through a suit before Justice Egwuatu, the impeachment proceeded, and a new Deputy Governor was appointed. Following this, Shaibu filed a motion to continue the case in his personal name rather than as Deputy Governor. The court granted this motion, leading to the ongoing legal battle.
Aiguobarueghian clarified that the matter before the Court of Appeal was an interlocutory appeal, challenging the order that allowed Shaibu to continue the case in his name. This appeal was withdrawn on Tuesday, but Aiguobarueghian stressed that this withdrawal did not amount to a declaration of Shaibu as Deputy Governor. He further explained that the substantive case regarding Shaibu’s impeachment is still pending, with all parties given time to respond before a final decision is made.
The situation remains fluid, with no final ruling yet on the substantive impeachment case, despite the conflicting reports.
