Barely 24 hours after it was reported on the brewing plot to impeach Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, the Edo State House of Assembly took action by serving Shaibu an impeachment notice. This notice, delivered yesterday, gives Shaibu seven days to respond to allegations of constitutional infractions leveled against him. The Majority Leader, Mr. Charity Aiguobarueghian, revealed that the petition, dated March 5, 2024, was signed by 21 out of 24 members of the assembly, surpassing the two-thirds requirement stipulated by the Constitution.

The grounds for impeachment cited in the petition were perjury and the divulging of government secrets. House Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, acknowledged receipt of the petition and directed the Clerk, Yahaya Omogbai, to serve the impeachment notice on Shaibu, granting him seven days to provide a response. Shaibu's strained relationship with Governor Godwin Obaseki, particularly over the Edo governorship ticket of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has thrust him into the spotlight.

Meanwhile, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District and the Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, refuted allegations linking him to the move to impeach Shaibu. In a statement by Oshiomhole's Legislative Aide, Victor Oshioke, it was clarified that Oshiomhole had not engaged in discussions with Governor Obaseki regarding plans to impeach his deputy.

Additionally, the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) condemned Governor Obaseki's purported impeachment plan against his deputy. CRPP Chairman, Samson Isibor, urged Obaseki to abandon the impeachment idea and focus on preparing for a peaceful transition of power to the next elected governor of Edo State. The statement warned that any attempt to impeach Shaibu could lead to crisis and anarchy in the state.

Shaibu, however, remained silent on the matter, opting to consult with his lawyers. Efforts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to repeated calls to his mobile phone. While one of his aides refrained from commenting, citing his position as an employee of the governor, it was gathered that Shaibu is seeking legal advice and has not officially received the impeachment notice.

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