Court Reinstates Shuaibu as Edo Deputy Governor

In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has reinstated Philip Shuaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. The court nullified the impeachment process by the Edo State House of Assembly, deeming it unconstitutional.

Justice James Omotosho, the judge in charge, declared the impeachment null and void, saying it didn’t meet the legal requirements for gross misconduct. He ordered that Shuaibu be reinstated to office because the Edo State House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in purporting to impeach him.

The judge held that the allegation on which the House of Assembly based the impeachment proceedings was untenable in law and does not constitute a gross misconduct. Justice Omotosho also set aside the appointment of another deputy governor in the place of Shuaibu.

The court ordered the Inspector General of Police to provide Shuaibu with needed security to enable him resume office and perform the functions of the office until the end of his tenure. The judge also ordered the payment of his salaries and allowances from April, when he was illegally impeached.

Shuaibu, who was in court, shed tears of joy upon hearing the judge’s pronouncements. This development marks a significant turn of events in the political landscape of Edo. The implications of this court ruling are yet to be fully understood, but it marks a major victory for Shuaibu and his supporters.