The Edo State House of Assembly has directed the Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to set up a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations leveled against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.
The Assembly is accusing the deputy governor of misconduct and divulging government’s classified information to the public.
The panel is expected to carry out a thorough investigation into the allegations and make necessary recommendations.
The brief sitting was presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.
The Edo State House of Assembly, earlier this month, began an impeachment move against Shaibu, accusing him of constitutional infractions.
But Shaibu denied being served with impeachment notice from the House of Assembly as claimed by the Speaker, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku during plenary.
The inability of the House, according to the Speaker, to physically serve Shaibu led to a substituted service through advertorial in the newspaper.
Meanwhile, in a letter addressed to the Speaker dated March 12, 2024 and titled “RE: Service of Impeachment Notice,” signed by Shaibu’s Personal Assistant Charles Olubayo, the embattled deputy governor denied ever being served any letter, let alone refusing to collect.
He said Shaibu has been out of the State since March 3, and therefore could not have been served as claimed during plenary.
His supporters, however, believe that he is being persecuted because he is interested to succeed his boss in office, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Shaibu emerged as the governorship candidate in a parallel primary election held on February 22, 2024.
