Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application filed by the Edo State government and the State House of Assembly, seeking a stay of execution against the reinstatement of Comrade Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.
The court had previously ruled in July 2024 that Shaibu’s impeachment was illegal, unconstitutional, and void.
In rejecting the application, Justice Omotosho criticized the applicants for attempting to delay the implementation of the court’s decision. As a result, the judge imposed a fine of ₦200,000 each on Governor Godwin Obaseki, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, and other applicants involved in the case.
The initial judgment, which nullified Shaibu’s impeachment, had restored him to his position, but the Edo State government and legislature sought to prevent this by filing for a stay of execution. Justice Omotosho’s ruling affirmed that Shaibu’s removal lacked legal standing and must be reversed without further delay.
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The court ruled that the impeachment of Comrade Philip Shaibu as Deputy Governor of Edo State constituted a serious violation of sections 188 and 35 of the amended 1999 Constitution. Justice James Omotosho emphasized that the impeachment process was fundamentally flawed and illegal.
In addition to reinstating Shaibu, the court mandated that all his unpaid salaries and allowances from the time of his impeachment in April must be compensated. The ruling also included a perpetual injunction prohibiting Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from hindering Shaibu’s ability to carry out his official duties.
Furthermore, Justice Omotosho ordered Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to ensure the immediate reinstatement of Shaibu’s security details, a directive that has already been implemented. This ruling reinforces Shaibu’s position and authority within the state government, affirming the legal validity of his office.
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