By Damilare Adeleye
The Edo State House of Assembly has directed Justice Daniel Okungbowa, the state’s Chief Judge, to constitute a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct levelled against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.
During the plenary session on Tuesday, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku informed the House that the seven-day ultimatum granted to the Deputy Governor to respond to the impeachment notice had expired.
It was learnt that the impeachment notice was served on March 6, but due to alleged evasion, the House ordered a substituted service which was published in some newspapers.
Majority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghan moved a motion, seconded by Nicholas Asonsere, requesting the Chief Judge to establish a seven-member committee to investigate the petition against the Deputy Governor.
Aiguobarueghan stated that the motion was in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The motion read: “That the notice served on the deputy governor alleging gross misconduct be sent for investigations. And that the speaker directs the chief judge of the state to set up a seven-man committee to look at the allegations and report its findings to this house as soon as possible.”
In a vote, 19 out of the 24 members of the House reportedly supported the motion.
Following the vote, Speaker Agbebaku requested the Chief Judge to establish a seven-member committee to investigate the petition against the Deputy Governor.
The House’s decision to investigate the Deputy Governor’s alleged misconduct is a significant development in Edo State’s political landscape, and the findings of the committee will likely shape the state’s future.
The deputy governor has been having a running battle with Governor Godwin Obaseki over his plan to succeed his principal.