A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled April 19 for the hearing of a lawsuit filed by Philip Shaibu, the impeached Deputy Governor of Edo State, against the state house of assembly and others.

The matter, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, was set for hearing after a legal team, including Alex Ejesieme, SAN, appeared seeking a date for the case.

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Although the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/405/24, was not initially listed on the cause list, the defense lawyers attended the court session.

Before adjourning the case, one of the lawyers informed Justice Ekwo that the hearing was supposed to take place on Thursday but was postponed due to a public holiday.

Justice Ekwo, however, clarified that he couldn’t proceed with a matter that wasn’t in the file and directed the lawyers to coordinate with the court registrar for the next hearing date.

The lawsuit, dated March 26 but filed on March 27, sees Shaibu suing the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police and State Security Service (SSS) as the 1st and 2nd respondents respectively. Additionally, he joined Hon. Justice S.A. Omonua (rtd.), the Chairman representing himself and members of the Panel of Seven Appointed by the 4th Defendant, the Chief Judge of Edo, and Prof. Theresa Akpoghome as the 3rd to 5th respondents.

Shaibu, represented by O.A. Gbadamosi, SAN, also listed Mr. President Aigbokhian, Mr. Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu, and the Edo State House of Assembly as the 6th to 8th respondents respectively.

In the originating motion on notice, Shaibu seeks several declarations, including that the impeachment proceedings against him violated his fundamental right to fair hearing and that the failure of the assembly to serve the impeachment notice on him personally is a violation of his rights.

He also seeks an order directing the respondents not to take further steps in violating his rights and to recuse themselves from sitting as Chairman and members of the 7-Man Investigating Panel, citing bias.

Shaibu’s argument is based on the fact that he had not been confronted with any allegations prior to the impeachment, and he hadn’t been given the opportunity to respond to the accusations.

Shaibu was impeached by the state’s house of assembly on Monday after the seven-man panel found him guilty of perjury and leaking government secrets. The panel, led by retired Justice Omonuwa, concluded its sitting on April 5, with Shaibu or his counsel failing to attend.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has firmly stated that the Government House in Akure is not up for grabs. Speaking to journalists after undergoing screening at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, Aiyedatiwa emphasized his control over the state’s political structure.

Regarding allegations concerning his WAEC certificate, he dismissed them as the work of troublemakers and urged them to redirect their energy towards meaningful endeavors.

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“I advise them to redirect their efforts and focus on constructive work rather than spreading falsehoods.”

“The seat they seek is occupied, hence their frantic attempts to stir controversy,” Aiyedatiwa remarked.

Reflecting on the upcoming primary elections scheduled for April 20, 2024, Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the competition he faces from 15 other aspirants within the APC.

Notable contenders include Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Olusola Oke, and Prof. Francis Faduyile, among others vying for the party’s ticket for the November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

President Bola Tinubu has extended his deepest condolences to the Onu family over the passing of the first civilian governor of Abia State and former minister of Science and Technology, Chief Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, CON.

Chief Onu passed away on Thursday at the age of 72.

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In a statement signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu mourned a luminous star in Nigeria’s political firmament, describing him as “the first civilian governor of Abia State, former minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, a principal draughtsman in the founding of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and a valiant partner in the victory of the party in the 2015 elections.”

“Most importantly, the President celebrates the life of an accomplished scholar, first-class engineer; a man of proven integrity; defiant to indiscipline, but ever yielding to the highest standards of rectitude.”

President Tinubu affirmed that Chief Onu epitomizes Nigeria in concord; in wholeness, as the late statesman believed in and defended Nigeria’s unity, advocated peace, and promoted fellowship across the Niger.

The President also condoles with the friends and associates of Chief Onu, Ebonyi and Abia State Governments, and all Nigerians grieving this gaping loss.

Tinubu prayed to God to grant repose to the gentle soul of this great leader.

In an unexpected turn of events in Rivers State politics, former Governor Peter Odili has thrown his support behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara, pronouncing him as the political leader of the state.

Odili, who governed from 1999 to 2007, lauded Fubara for his dedication to safeguarding the interests of the people.

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Speaking at the commissioning of a Primary Healthcare Centre sponsored by his PAMO Foundation in Ndoni, his hometown in the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Odili endorsed Fubara’s leadership role.

He emphasized the pivotal position of Rivers State in national affairs, highlighting its influence on the entire country.

Odili urged Governor Fubara to govern with a keen awareness of Rivers State’s significance, emphasizing the need for decisions that benefit the populace.

He praised Fubara’s achievements in his first year in office, particularly in prioritizing the welfare of the people.

Acknowledging Fubara’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda, especially in the health sector, Odili commended the governor’s efforts.

He cited the recent launch of the Primary Healthcare Fellows scheme by the Federal Government as evidence of this alignment.

Encouraging continued collaboration with the President and his policies, Odili advised Fubara to leverage this alignment to garner federal government support for Rivers State.

The endorsement by Odili signifies a significant shift in political dynamics, potentially posing challenges for Governor Wike’s administration.