The Federal High Court Abuja, has again made a fresh order that status quo be maintained in the alleged impeachment of the deputy governor of Edo state, Philip Shuaibu by the governor, Godwin Obaseki, over their differences.
Justice Ahmed Muhammed made the order following the inability of the State Security Service, SSS, to file an application to cause why the main suit should not be entertained.
The trial Judge had on August 4, issued a temporary order while ruling in a motion on notice filed by Shuaib asking the court to stop the move to ease him out of office by his principal.
At the court’s proceedings, other defendants told the Judge that they were ready, having filed their processes, but the counsel for SSS, I. Awo told the court that he was yet to file the application requested by the court, as they ought not to be brought into the matter in the first place.
The trial Judge however admonished the counsel, stating that he should have at least filed the process first and then mentioned his grievances in the said process for the court to take note.
Justice Mohammed adjourned the matter to August 22, urging the SSS Counsel to file his process withing 24 hours, while noting that the IGP is very aware of the matter in court.
The IGP was however, not represented in court.
Shaibu, in his originating simmons is asking the Court to determine whether in view of the provisions of sections 186 and 193 of the 1999 Constitution, Governor Obaseki has power to instigate the IGP and SSS to harass, intimidate, molest and prevent him from accessing his office to carry out his Constitutionally guaranteed duties.
He also asked the court to ascertain whether the Governor has power to instigate the Speaker and the Chief Judge to commence impeachment proceedings against him with a view to remove him from office on any other ground other than allegations of misconduct as contained in section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.
Among others, Shuaib requested for order of injunction restraining IGP, SSS and Obaseki and their agents and privies from harassing, embarrassing,, intimidating and preventing them from stopping him to carry out his legitimate functions.
