VIDEO: My impeachment illegal, attack on democracy – Philip Shaibu

Philip Shaibu has asserted that his removal from office as the Edo State deputy governor is unlawful and poses a danger to the nation’s democratic principles.

In a reaction via a video shared on his X account, Shaibu denounced the impeachment.

He said in part, “It is with heavy heart yet a resolute spirit that I come before you to address the recent events that have unfolded within our dear state. I denounce in strongest terms the illegal impeachment by the Edo state house of assembly over trumped-up charges, this is not just an attack on me as an individual but on the very democratic principles that we hold dear.

“It’s a dangerous descent into dictatorship, a threat to the foundation of our democracy. Let it be clear that this impeachment was hatched because of my ambition to contest the Edo Governorship election 2024 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

On Monday, the Edo State House of Assembly recalled the embattled deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, through impeachment.

This action came after the Assembly adopted the report of the seven-man investigative panel tasked with examining allegations of misconduct against Shaibu.

The impeachment process reached its climax with a dramatic vote resulting in Shaibu’s removal from office. These proceedings were initiated earlier in the week.

Background

Previously, Vanguard had reported on Thursday that the seven-man panel, tasked with investigating allegations of constitutional violations against Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, concluded its session on Friday without Shaibu or his legal representative appearing.

Subsequently, the panel submitted its findings to the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.

The seven-man panel, led by Justine Stephen A. Omonuwa (Rtd), announced on Thursday that it would adjourn for the final time on Friday. This decision was made to allow the respondent, Shaibu, an opportunity to present his defense against the allegations leveled against him.

The panel’s ruling on Thursday was prompted by Shaibu and his legal counsel’s absence during Thursday’s session.

During the panel’s inaugural session on Wednesday, Shaibu was represented by Professor Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), who indicated that he would not proceed with the panel’s proceedings. He cited a directive from an Abuja High Court, which had scheduled a hearing for Monday, April 8, for all parties involved in a case regarding the enforcement of fundamental human rights that Shaibu had initiated.

Despite the panel’s decision to dismiss the objection, Awoyale (SAN) requested permission to withdraw from the proceedings.