Court stops Gov Obaseki’s impeachment plot against deputy

Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, restrained the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, from going ahead with the planned impeachment of his deputy, Phillip Shaibu.

The two men have been at loggerheads in recent times over irreconcilable differences.

The judge gave the order while ruling on a motion on notice filed by the deputy governor.

Shaibu had in his originating summons urged the court to determine whether in view of the provisions of sections 186 and 193 of the 1999 Constitution, Governor Obaseki has the power to instigate the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Service (DSS) to harass, and prevent him from accessing his office to carry out his duties.

He also asked the court to ascertain whether the governor has the power to instigate the speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and the chief judge to commence impeachment proceedings against him on any other ground other than allegations of misconduct as contained in section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.

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The governor, the speaker, IGP and DSS were listed as respondents in the case.

In his ruling, Justice Mohammed directed the parties to maintain the status quo.

He directed that the status quo should be maintained till the time the defendants shall show cause as directed in another ruling of the court made on July 27.

The judge adjourned the hearing in the matter till August 10 and ordered that the IGP, DSS, and Obaseki be served with the hearing notices.

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