The former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has sent a letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, requesting a complaint form to formally petition against the state Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
Shaibu was removed from office on Monday by the state House of Assembly, following the approval of a report from a seven-man panel appointed by the Chief Judge of the state.
The panel investigated accusations of misconduct and perjury made against the ex-deputy governor by the state House of Assembly.
In a letter dated April 8, 2024, from the Chambers of B.I. Dakum and Co., Shaibu asked the CJN, who also serves as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council, for permission to obtain a complaint form to file a formal petition against Okungbowa.
Adaze A. Emwanta, a former Commissioner for Information and Orientation to Governor Godwin Obaseki, has signed a letter seeking to file a petition against the Edo Chief Judge for abuse of office, official misconduct, and violation of oath of office.
Emwanta stated that the letter was a formal request for a complaint form as required by the Judicial Discipline Regulations 2017, so that his client can lodge a complaint against the state Chief Judge.
The letter titled “Re: Notice to obtain a complaint form to file a formal complaint against Hon Justice Daniel Okungbowa, the Chief Judge of Edo State for abuse of office, official misconduct and desecrating his oath of office,” reads in part, “We write as Solicitors to Rt Hon. Philip Shaibu, who until this morning was Deputy Governor of Edo State.
“Rt Hon Philip Shaibu has instructed us to file a formal complaint to your council against Hon Justice Daniel Okungbowa, the Chief Judge of Edo State for abuse of office, official misconduct and desecration of his oath of office.
“The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to formally request a complaint form prescribed under the Judicial Discipline Regulations 2017 to enable our client to file his complaint against the subject Judge.”
