Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu

A Federal High Court in Abuja has temporarily stopped attempts to impeach Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu amid a rift with Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed issued an interim order for the parties to maintain the status quo, after Shaibu filed a motion alleging harassment and moves to unlawfully force him from office.

The judge directed Obaseki, the police, and security agencies not represented in court to appear at the next hearing on August 10th.

In his filing, Shaibu contends the governor lacks constitutional power to initiate impeachment proceedings against him except for gross misconduct.

He argues Obaseki cannot lawfully exclude him from state executive activities or use security agencies to intimidate him.

Shaibu seeks court declarations that the impeachment bid and actions to harass him are illegal and unconstitutional.

The Edo crisis has escalated tensions between Obaseki and his estranged deputy who secured a second-term ticket in 2020.

The court injunction provides temporary relief for Shaibu and aims to uphold constitutional provisions while the case proceeds.