The Abuja Court of Appeal on Tuesday upheld the reinstatement of Philip Shaibu as Edo State’s Deputy Governor, dismissing an appeal by the Edo State House of Assembly to overturn the lower court’s judgment.
The appellate court’s decision affirms the earlier ruling that nullified Shaibu’s impeachment.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, reinstated Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State in July, declaring his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly as unlawful and unconstitutional.
The court ruled that the impeachment process violated the Constitution, thereby restoring Shaibu to his position.
The court also directed that he should receive his salaries and allowances dating back to April 2024 when he was removed from office.
The Edo State House of Assembly on April 8 impeached Shaibu after it adopted the report of a seven-member probe panel set up to probe allegations of gross misconduct against him.
The Assembly had accused Shaibu of leaking the state government’s secrets and committing perjury.
It also described Shaibu’s alleged offences as impeachable.
Shaibu’s impeachment came amid a prolonged rift between him and Governor Godwin Obaseki.
