Anxious deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr Philip Shaibu joined the global Christian Community, to observe this year’s ‘Washing of Feet’ ritual observed by Roman Catholic church on Thursday March 28, 2024 in Benin City, the State Capital.
Shaibu took to social Media after attending the “Maundy Thursday” service, saying, “I joined the Christian World, to observe this year’s ‘Washing of Feet’ at the St Agnes Catholic Church”.
Maundy Thursday, is among the yearly ritual that proceed Easter Celebrations by the Catholic Church in line with the Christian Calendar that marks Christ’s death and his resurrection.
Drawing inspiration from — the Bible book of John 13:8, which said, “Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me”, the deputy Governor said, “As it is laid down by our Lord Jesus Christ” in accordance with the gospel of St. John chapter 13:8-14.
“This we have done, that we may have a portion in His kingdom at the end of our race on earth”, and prayed, “May the Lord count us worthy of His kingdom”, Shaibu prayed.
The same day, Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, made changes to the seven-man panel set up to probe the alleged misconduct and perjury levelled against State Shaibu after a bitter succession struggle with Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.
The investigative panel will begin sitting on Wednesday April 3, 2024 at the New High Court Complex in Benin City, according to a statement by the Administrative Secretary of the panel, G.O. Odidi.
The statement explained that “parties and /or their Counsel are expected to be present on that day while the complainant is expected to be ready to present it’s case on that day.”
The seven-man panel was inauguration by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice D.I. Okungbowa in line with section 188 subsection 5 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.
On March 6, 2024,19 out of 24 lawmakers signed a petition for the removal of Philip Shaibu from office over alleged perjury and leaking of government secrets
Also at plenary on March 19, the Assembly passed a resolution directing the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Iyobosa Okungbowa, to raise a panel to investigate the allegations against the embattled deputy Governor.
The House of Assembly resolution followed a motion moved by the House Majority Leader, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian.
The Majority Leader of the Assembly noted that the motion was in line with section 188 subsection 3 and 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The lawmaker stated that the failure of the deputy Governor to respond to the petition at the stipulated times was also in conformity with the provision of Section 188 sub section 3.
According to him, “That duty as bestowed by section 188 sub-section 3 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is that a motion be moved when it will be resolved that if this allegations are not denied, it is worthy of investigation.
TheNewspad reports that impeachment proceedings against the deputy Governor assumed a worrisome dimension after Shaibu lost his bid to restrain the House of Assembly, the Chief Judge and other parties in the court case in the federal High Court, Abuja, weeks ago.
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