The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, was notably absent before the seven-member panel tasked with investigating allegations of perjury and divulging government secrets against him.
Led by retired Justice S. A. Omonuwa, the panel convened its inaugural session in Benin on Wednesday but concluded its proceedings on Friday without Shaibu or his legal representative appearing.
Initially, the panel adjourned until Thursday to allow Shaibu to present his defense. However, when he failed to attend, Friday was designated as the final opportunity for him to address the allegations.
The Edo State House of Assembly, acting as the petitioner, had presented its case on Wednesday and subsequently concluded its submission, clearing the path for Shaibu to rebut the accusations leveled against him.
During the initial session, Shaibu’s legal counsel, Prof Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), was present but withdrew from the proceedings midway after the panel declined his request to suspend the hearings pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed in Abuja by Shaibu contesting the impeachment proceedings initiated against him by the state Assembly.
Despite Awoyale’s departure, the Assembly, represented by its Deputy Clerk, Joe Ohiafi, proceeded to outline its case against Shaibu.
During his testimony, the Deputy Clerk informed the panel that Shaibu disclosed confidential information of the Edo State government in the affidavit submitted to support his lawsuit in Abuja.
He explained that Shaibu presented documents related to the State Executive Council’s meeting.
According to Ohiafi, Shaibu breached the Oath of Secrecy he had taken and acted contrary to the provisions outlined in Schedule 7 of the 1999 Constitution.
During Friday’s session, the Assembly was represented by its Legal Officer, N.U. Ibrahim, accompanied by two others.
Responding to the situation, the panel chairman stated, “The panel adjourned its session for the final time today (Friday) to allow the respondent an opportunity to present his defense.”
