The security details of the impeached deputy governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu, have been reinstated, paving the way for his official return to duty.
This development comes on the heels of a judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, declaring Shaibu’s impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly as illegal, unconstitutional, null, and void.
The court’s verdict, delivered on Wednesday, upheld that the impeachment process violated sections 188 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Consequently, the court ordered the restoration of Shaibu’s salaries and allowances, effective from April, when his impeachment took effect.
Additionally, a perpetual injunction was issued, restraining Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from hindering Shaibu’s performance of his duties.
The court directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to restore his security details.
It should be noted that Shaibu and Governor Obaseki have had a long-drawn battle, which culminated in a decision by state lawmakers to impeach the deputy governor on grounds of disclosing government secrets.
The seven-man panel set up by the Edo State Assembly had three months ago, found Shaibu guilty and recommended his impeachment.
