Justice Osai Ahiakwo has advised against treating impeachment proceedings as trivial, urging state governments and legislative bodies to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions.
This follows the Edo State House of Assembly’s impeachment of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu over allegations of leaking government secrets. Ahiakwo stressed that the Appeal Court’s ruling, which reinstated Shaibu, should be respected, dismissing any political maneuvers as invalid. He emphasized that Shaibu remains the legitimate Deputy Governor and called for acknowledgment of the court’s decision.
Additionally, former presidential aide Chief Okoi Obono-Obla has demanded that Engr. Omobayo Godwin, who was appointed to replace Shaibu, return all salaries received during his purported term. Obono-Obla labeled Godwin’s appointment as illegal and unconstitutional, reinforcing the legitimacy of Shaibu’s reinstatement.