The Edo State House of Assembly has taken a decisive step in the ongoing controversy surrounding Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu by passing a resolution to probe allegations against him.
The parliament initiated impeachment proceedings against Shaibu on March 5, 2024, with 21 out of 24 members signing a petition, citing allegations of perjury and disclosure of state government secrets.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku informed the Assembly that the seven-day ultimatum given to the deputy governor to respond to the impeachment notice had expired. Despite attempts to serve Shaibu, the House resorted to a substituted service through publications in the Nigerian Observer and Vanguard Newspapers.
Majority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghan moved a motion, seconded by member Nicholas Asonsere, directing the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to establish a seven-man committee to investigate the allegations, in accordance with Section 188(3) and (4) of the Nigerian Constitution.
Nineteen out of 24 members supported the motion through a voice vote, prompting the Speaker to confirm the decision and instruct the chief judge to proceed with the investigation.
