The Edo State House of Assembly, Wednesday commenced impeachment proceedings against the state Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, after 21 out of 25 members signed a petition against the deputy governor.

Charity Aiguobarueghian, the majority leader of the House, explained that the petition was based on two grounds perjury and revealing of government secrets.

Aiguobarueghian, who confirmed that the petition dated March 5, was signed by 21 out of the 24 members against the deputy governor, said they have met up with the two third requirement of the Constitution.

Aiguobarueghian stated, “The petition against the deputy governor came in on March 5 and was signed by 21 out of the 24 members. The number of members who signed the petition was more than the two-third requirement stipulated in the constitution.”

The speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku who acknowledged receipt of the petition, directed the Clerk of the House, Yahaya Omogbai, to serve Shaibu the impeachment notice.

Agbebaku also gave the deputy governor seven days to respond to the notice of impeachment.

The impeachment notice is the latest in the rift between the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, who have been at loggerheads since mid-last year when Shaibu announced his intention to run for the office of the governor of the state.