Edo: Court Fixes Date For Judgment In Shaibu’s Case Against Obaseki

Edo: Court Fixes Date For Judgment In Shaibu’s Case Against Obaseki

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled the judgment for September 7th in the lawsuit filed by Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, seeking to halt his impeachment by the State House of Assembly.

Justice Ahmed Mohamed fixed this date after hearing final submissions from the parties’ lawyers in the case labeled as FHC/ABJ/CS/2027/2023.

In the suit, Shaibu accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of planning to obstruct him from carrying out his official duties and instigating the Assembly to impeach him, ultimately thwarting his intention to contest the state’s gubernatorial election next year.

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Named as defendants alongside Obaseki are the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Speaker of the Assembly, and the Chief Judge of Edo State.

Shaibu’s legal representative, George Ibrahim, pointed out that although the defendants argue that the deputy governor’s case solely revolves around impeachment, they have not refuted the accusation that Obaseki was scheming to hinder his client’s constitutional responsibilities.

“They have not contradicted the fact that the passage between the offices of the Deputy Governor and the Governor has been blocked,” Ibrahim noted.

He added that even though the Oba of Benin and prominent figures in the state tried to mediate, Obaseki allegedly dissuaded their involvement, insisting that Shaibu publicly renounce his plans to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ibrahim sought the court’s validation of his assertions and the granting of all the requested reliefs.

However, legal counsel for the governor and the Assembly, Ken Mozia (SAN), challenged the competence of the case and the court’s jurisdiction over it.

Mozia contended that the plaintiff deliberately included the IGP and the DSS as parties to confer jurisdiction on the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He commented, “The case (regarding impeachment plans) is based on speculation, suspicion, and general statements about a pending impeachment.”

“To discuss the matter of state security officers not allowing him access is unreasonable,” Mozia further stated.

He also argued that Shaibu failed to present evidence that the Assembly had initiated impeachment proceedings against him.

Accusing Shaibu of intentionally avoiding official meetings with Obaseki, the counsel urged the court to dismiss the lawsuit.