Court Grants Temporary Order to Stop Obaseki’s Impeachment Moves Against Shaibu

Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court Abuja has issued a temporary order to put a stop to Governor Godwin Obaseki’s move to impeach his Deputy, Phillip Shaibu, due to their disagreements.

The temporary order was granted on Friday following a motion on notice filed by Shaibu, seeking the court’s intervention to prevent his removal from office by the Governor.

Justice Mohammed directed all parties involved to maintain the status quo until a further hearing, scheduled for August 10, as per the court’s previous ruling on July 27, 2023.

Shaibu’s originating summons brought forth several questions for the court’s consideration.

He wants the court to determine if Governor Obaseki has the authority to involve the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the State Security Service (SSS) to harass and prevent him from carrying out his constitutionally mandated duties.

Additionally, he seeks clarification on whether the Governor can instigate the Speaker and the Chief Judge to initiate impeachment proceedings against him for reasons other than misconduct as specified in the constitution.

Furthermore, Shaibu has requested the court to decide if Obaseki can deliberately exclude him from State Executive Council meetings or other functions within and outside Edo without violating the law’s provisions.

If the court resolves these issues in his favor, Shaibu seeks a declaration that the IGP, SSS, and Obaseki lack the power to intimidate, harass, or molest him.

He also wants a declaration that the Governor, Speaker, and Chief Judge cannot impeach him on any grounds other than gross misconduct.

Moreover, he asks for an injunction to prevent any harassment or intimidation from the mentioned parties and an order stopping the Chief Judge from acting upon instructions from Obaseki and the Speaker to set up an impeachment panel…[CONTINUE READING HERE]>>