The Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld the reinstatement of Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State on Tuesday,Daily Trust reports.
Earlier, on July 17, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court had reinstated Shaibu to his position. The judge ruled in favor of Shaibu in a lawsuit he filed, declaring his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly as illegal and unconstitutional.
Justice Omotosho determined that the impeachment violated sections 188 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution. Shaibu was initially removed from office on April 8, 2024, after the Assembly adopted the findings of a seven-member committee, established by the state Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate allegations of misconduct against him.
Unhappy with the Federal High Court’s decision, the Assembly sought to overturn it at the Court of Appeal. However, the appellate court dismissed the appeal on Tuesday, stating it lacked merit and affirming the lower court’s decision to reinstate Shaibu.
