The seven-member panel created by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to look into the accusation of wrongdoing made against the state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, began meeting on Wednesday.
The panel led by retired Justice S. A. Omonuwa, was established by Justice Okungbowa after the decision by the state House of Assembly to start the process of removing Shaibu.
During the panel's session on Wednesday, the House of Assembly was represented by Mr Joe Ohiafi, Deputy Clerk, Legal, and Shaibu was represented by Prof Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN).
The removal process is seen as the latest episode in the conflict between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki, his boss, which apparently started when Shaibu announced his plan to run for Edo governor this year.
A notice signed by the administrative secretary of the panel, George Odidi, last Thursday read, “Take notice that consequent upon the inauguration of the above panel by His Lordship the Hon. Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Okungbowa, in line with Section 188 Subsection 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the said panel shall commence sitting at Judges Conference room, New High Court Complex, Benin City on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 10am prompt.
“Parties and/or their counsel are expected to be present on that day while the complainant is expected to be ready to present its case on that day.”
