The seven-member panel investigating the impeachment allegations against Edo State deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, has adjourned to today to allow the defendant to present his defence.
The adjournment came after both the defendant and his counsel were absent during Thursday’s proceedings. Justice S.A. Omonua (rtd), the panel chairman, stated that the adjournment was necessary to give Shaibu the chance to defend himself.
During yesterday’s resumed sitting, neither the defendant nor his counsel appeared, while the complainant’s counsel was present. Justice Omonua, in adjourning the sitting, reiterated the need for the defendant to present his defence. He noted, “Our records from yesterday’s sitting indicate that we adjourned to today (Thursday) for the defendant to present his defence. We will still give the defendant the opportunity to present its defence. We can see that the defendant is not here to present his defence.”
It would be recalled that Shaibu’s counsel, Professor Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), withdrew from participating in the panel proceedings during Wednesday’s sitting after the panel dismissed his motion.
Awoyale had objected to the investigation’s continuation, citing a Federal High Court, Abuja, order by Justice J.E. Ekwo, instructing the panel to show cause why an interlocutory injunction to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case should not be granted to the plaintiff (Philip Shaibu).
He highlighted that the order was issued on March 28, with the case adjourned to April 8, and requested that the panel await the Federal High Court’s decision on the matter scheduled for April 8.
