Court stops Edo Gov. Obaseki from impeaching deputy

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an ex parte order sought by Edo state Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu against his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki. Shaibu alleged Obaseki is planning to lead an impeachment proceeding against him.

Apart of the governor, others so restrained are the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the State Security Service (SSS), the Edo State Governor, the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly and the Chief Judge of Edo State.

In the ruling, Justice Ahmed Mohammed urged all the parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Shaibu accused Obaseki of harassing and preventing him from functioning in his official capacity as his deputy. In addition, Shaibu said his attendance at the swearing in ceremony of Senator Adam Oshiomhole in the senate offended Obaseki and part of the reasons he is fighting with him.

Shaibu, who was formerly a political protégé of Oshiomhole, left the former to team up with Obaseki. Governor Obaseki succeeded Oshimhole but he later became estranged from him. Against Oshiomhole’s opposition, Obaseki won a second term, defeating All Progressives Congress candidate Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu