In an effort to provide the defendant with an opportunity to offer his defence, the seven-member panel that is looking into the charges of Edo State deputy governor, Philip Shaibu’s impeachment has postponed until today.
The proceedings on Thursday were adjourned due to the absence of the defendant and his legal representative. As to the statement made by the chairman of the panel, Justice S.A. Omonua (rtd), Shaibu needed time to present his defence, hence an adjournment was essential.
Governance today can reliable confirm that, the complainant’s lawyer was present during yesterday’s rescheduled sitting, but neither the defendant nor his counsel showed up. When adjourning the session, Justice Omonua emphasised that the defendant must offer his defence. He said, “We adjourned to today (Thursday) so that the defendant might give his defence, according to our records from yesterday’s meeting. The defendant will still have the chance to offer its defence. It is evident that the accused is not present to offer his defence.
Recall that following the panel’s rejection of Shaibu’s motion, Shaibu’s attorney, Professor Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN), withdrew from the proceedings on Wednesday.
Citing an order from Justice J.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Awoyale had objected to the investigation’s continuation, directing the panel to provide justification for why the plaintiff (Philip Shaibu) should not be granted an interlocutory injunction to maintain the status quo while the case is being decided.
He emphasised that the case had been postponed until April 8 and that the order had been made on March 28. He asked that the panel hold off until the Federal High Court’s April 8 ruling on the subject.
