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Court Sets Date For Shaibu’s Suit Against Edo Assembly

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

Filed on March 27, the suit listed the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police and State Security Service (SSS) as the first and second respondents.

Additionally, it included Hon. Justice S.A. Omonua (rtd.), the Chairman, and members of the Panel of Seven Appointed by the 4th Defendant, the Chief Judge of Edo, and Prof. Theresa Akpoghome as the third to fifth respondents.

Shaibu, represented by O.A. Gbadamosi, SAN, also named President Aigbokhian, Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu, and the Edo State House of Assembly as the sixth to eighth respondents, respectively.

In the originating motion on notice, Shaibu sought a declaration asserting that the failure of the 3rd to 8th respondents to afford him a fair hearing during the impeachment proceedings instigated by the 8th respondent was unlawful, unconstitutional, and a blatant breach of his fundamental right to fair hearing, as enshrined in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Additionally, he is pursuing a declaration highlighting that the assembly’s neglect to personally serve the purported impeachment notice on him and each member of the House of Assembly, as mandated by Section 188(2) of the 1999 Constitution, constitutes a violation of his right to fair hearing.

He additionally requested a declaration stating that the appointment of the 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th respondents as chairman and members of the seven-member investigation panel tasked with probing allegations outlined in a purported impeachment notice against him is marred by a reasonable suspicion of bias and will lead to a breach of his fundamental right to fair hearing, as guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

In additionhe sought an order instructing the respondents to refrain from taking any further actions that would infringe upon his fundamental right to fair hearing, as guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.

In the same vein, he requested an order directing the 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th respondents to disqualify themselves from serving as Chairman and members of the 7-Man Investigating Panel appointed by the 3rd respondent, due to the potential bias against him, among other reliefs.

Shaibu provided seven grounds of argument, asserting that until now, he had never been presented with any such notice or allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, or any allegations whatsoever, whether during his tenure as deputy governor or acting governor.

He stated that he had not received any letter or notice as mandated by Section 188(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. Furthermore, he emphasized that the assembly had not granted him any opportunity to respond to any purported allegations, thus lacking any justification for initiating a process aimed at his removal from office as deputy governor.

He said, “The 3rd respondent via a letter dated 25th March, 2024 was appointed by the 4th respondent as the chairman of a panel of seven persons to investigate the allegations contained in a purported impeachment notice, which is yet to be personally served on the applicant.

“The 3rd respondent is a retired judicial officer and community leader from Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo Central Senatorial District, where there is strong clamour against the gubernatorial ambition of the applicant.

“The 3rd respondent appears to have been given the hatchet job of recommending the removal from office of the applicant, in order to weaken his political ambition of becoming governor of Edo State.

“The 4th respondent being a protégé of the 3rd respondent, appointed him as chairman of the Investigating Panel, when other persons he offered the same appointment rejected it, because it was a politically motivated job.”

The case, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, was scheduled for hearing on Friday, following the appearance of a team of lawyers, including Alex Ejesieme, SAN, who attended to request a date for the case.

Despite the suit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/405/24, not being listed on the cause list, the defense lawyers attended the court session.

Just before adjourning the session, one of the lawyers informed Justice Ekwo that the matter was initially slated for Thursday but was postponed due to a public holiday, resulting in the court’s non-sitting.

However, Justice Ekwo clarified that he could not preside over a matter not present in the file, instructing them to coordinate with the court registrar for the next adjourned date.

The hearing was subsequently rescheduled for April 19.

Recall that on Monday, Shaibu faced impeachment by the state’s house of assembly following the panel’s finding of guilt on charges of perjury and divulging government secrets.

The retired Justice Omonuwa-led panel commenced its sessions on April 3 in Benin and concluded on April 5, with neither Shaibu nor his counsel in attendance.

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FCT Police Chief Inspects Worship Centres, Commends Residents for Peaceful Conduct

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Governors Contributing To Political Violence

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Ahmed Muhammad Sanusi, has inspected security deployments at churches across the territory, urging officers to maintain professionalism and vigilance during religious activities.

The inspection was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Sanusi conducted the inspection on November 8, 2026, to assess the operational readiness of personnel deployed to worship centres and evaluate security arrangements for residents and worshippers.

SEE ALSO: October 1 Protests: FCT Police Call For Increased Vigilance Among Residents

The exercise followed a similar inspection of mosques across the FCT on Friday, November 6, as the Command sustained efforts to strengthen security around religious centres.

During the visits, the police commissioner charged officers to remain professional and responsive in the discharge of their duties.

He also commended residents for their peaceful and orderly conduct following mosque and church services, noting that public cooperation remained essential to maintaining security and public order across the territory.

The commissioner urged residents to continue cooperating with the police and other law enforcement agencies, remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station.

He further encouraged residents to utilise the Command’s emergency lines, 08032003913 and 08061581938, to report security concerns.

Adeh said the Command’s Public Relations Office remained open and accessible to members of the public for enquiries, complaints, information and other security-related matters.

The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting residents and worshippers and maintaining security across the Federal Capital Territory.

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2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally

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Who is Senator Kashim Shetima, Tinubu's running mate

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.

Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.

SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election

One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.

The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”

Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.

The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”

 

 

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Elohor Aiboni Honoured with DTN@100 Changemaker Award

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Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.

She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.

Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”

In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”

Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.

READ ALSO: “8216;The Panic Is Real” Atiku Accuses APC of Plot to Weaken ADC

In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.

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