A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled September 24 to hear two motions filed by the Edo Government and the House of Assembly challenging the reinstatement of Philip Shaibu as Deputy Governor of Edo State. These motions, filed by the state’s Attorney General, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, and the House of Assembly’s lawyer, Ken Mozia, SAN, seek to stay the execution of the July 17 judgment that reinstated Shaibu and restrain him from assuming his duties pending the outcome of their appeal.
The motions argue that the appeal raises significant and arguable grounds, particularly concerning the court’s jurisdiction over the matter. The applicants contend that allowing Shaibu to resume his role could disrupt the state’s government operations, especially given his recent public support for the rival All Progressives Congress (APC).
Justice James Omotosho had previously ruled on July 17 that Shaibu’s impeachment was void due to non-compliance with due process by the House of Assembly. Shaibu had sued the Inspector-General of Police, the Deputy Governor of Edo, the Attorney General, the Chief Judge of Edo, the Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, and the Edo State House of Assembly.
The applicants argue that their right to appeal would be stifled without the court’s intervention and assert that monetary damages could adequately compensate Shaibu if the application is later found unwarranted.