Justice Osai Ahiakwo, a lawyer and public analyst, has raised concerns about the impeachment of Edo State’s deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shuaibu, by the state House of Assembly. In a statement from Calabar, Justice Ahiakwo highlighted the potential threat to the national constitution if the situation is not handled carefully.
The focus of Ahiakwo’s statement is on the importance of upholding the rule of law to preserve the stability and integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system. He pointed out that the grounds for removing the deputy governor, as outlined in Section 188 (10) of the Constitution, are not clearly justified in this case. Ahiakwo warned that allowing such actions to go unchecked could lead to a breakdown of constitutional principles in the country.
The crisis in Edo State, which led to Shuaibu’s impeachment, is seen by Ahiakwo as a test of Nigeria’s constitutional law. While the Constitution does provide for the removal of a governor or deputy governor under certain circumstances, Ahiakwo believes that the current situation is more about political power play than legitimate reasons for impeachment.
According to Ahiakwo, the process lacked transparency and fairness, with the governor’s influence potentially leading to an abuse of power. He argued that Shuaibu’s alleged offenses, such as his ambition to run for governor, do not constitute valid grounds for removal from office. Ahiakwo emphasized that no serious misconduct or criminal behavior has been proven against Shuaibu.
In conclusion, Justice Osai Ahiakwo’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting due process in governance. The situation in Edo State highlights the need for transparency and accountability in political decision-making to prevent constitutional crises.
