The embattled deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr. Philip Shaibu, on Wednesday, walked out of the seven-man panel set up to investigate an alleged misconduct levelled against him by the state House of Assembly.
Mr. Shaibu, who was represented by Prof. Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), had prayed the panel to obey an Interlocutory Injunction by the Federal High Court sitting, in Abuja, billed for hearing April 8, 2024.
He said participating in the proceedings of the seven-man panel would amount to fait accompli.
However, counsel to the House of Assembly and Deputy Clerk, Legal Department, Joe Oaifi, argued that the panel’s sitting was supported by Section 188 (10) of the Constitution which forecloses any court from preventing the House of Assembly and the panel from discharging their constitutional responsibilities.
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In its ruling, the panel, headed by retired Justice S. A. Omonuwa said the Respondent suit at the Federal High Court was neither here nor there as regards the panel sitting, citing Section 188(10) of the Constitution.
He said the section empowered and protects the panel from any external interference, hence declared continuation of the panel’s sitting.
Mr. Shaibu’s lead counsel, thereafter, walked our on the panel, saying will amounts to contempt of the court.
The lead counsel, however, declined interview.
Shaibu’s trial continues in absentia.
Details later…