THE Edo State government stated earlier today (Monday, 12th day of August 2024) that Mr Philip Shaibu is impersonating the deputy governor and should stop parading himself as such.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had on 17 July 2024 reinstated Mr Shaibu as the deputy governor of the state three months after the Edo House of Assembly impeached him.
The court declared that Shaibu’s ouster on 8 April 2024, by the Edo State House of Assembly was “politically motivated”.
Justice James Omotoso ordered Mr Shaibu’s reinstatement and directed the Inspector-General of Police to restore his security detail.
Following Mr Shaibu’s removal, Governor Godwin Obaseki picked Omobayo Godwins as his deputy.
Reacting to Mr Shaibu’s reinstatement, Godwins said he remains the “authentic” deputy governor of Edo State.
In a video on X earlier today (Monday 12 August 2024) Mr Shaibu said his reinstatement is a “testament to the divine grace of God and the steadfast prayer of all Nigerians.”
Mr Shaibu claimed an assassination attempt was made on his life when he returned to Benin, the state capital after he was reinstated.
He said the bullet “killed” a police officer attached to Monday Okpebholo, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September election.
Mr Shaibu added that he has not received any response from Governor Obaseki on the reinstatement of his aides.
“My reinstatement as deputy governor of Edo State is testament to the divine grace of God and the steadfast prayer of all Nigerians,” Shaibu said.
“In recent weeks, a Federal High Court in Abuja reinstated me as the deputy governor of Edo State, acknowledging the illegality of the impeachment.
“Upon my arrival in Benin, a tragic event occurred as an assassination attempt was made on my life.
“Thankfully, the bullet missed its mark, unfortunately, hit an armed policeman assigned to the APC governorship candidate for the upcoming September election.
“Following my return to office, I have formally requested the governor’s approval for the reinstatement of aides. However, I have yet to receive a response from him.”
Shaibu ordered workers attached to the office of the deputy governor to resume their duty posts
It will also be recalled that Justice Omotosho had ordered the Inspector-General of Police to restore Mr Shaibu’s security details and directed that his salaries and allowances be paid from April when he was removed from office.
The Edo State Assembly, however, appealed the judgment and filed for a stay of its execution pending the determination of the appeal.
Meanwhile, Mr Shaibu, in an interview after his reinstatement, said the judgment that reinstated him was declarative and must be implemented before an appeal could be considered.
However, in a statement, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare said, “It has come to the attention of the Edo State government that the former deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has been corresponding with various institutions and organisations both within and outside the state in a clear case of impersonation.
“In the interest of these organisations’ safety, we want to reiterate that Mr Shaibu is not the deputy governor of Edo State, and any correspondence from him in that regard should be disregarded and considered a forgery.
“The issue of his purported reinstatement is still active in court, with the next hearing for the two separate motions filed by the state government and the Edo State House of Assembly challenging the purported reinstatement by Justice James Omotosho scheduled for 24 September 2024.
“The State, through the Attorney General of Edo State and the Edo State House of Assembly, represented by their lawyers, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN) and Ken Mozia (SAN), respectively, have sought an order for a stay of execution of the purported reinstatement, an order suspending the judgment, and a restraining order preventing Mr Shaibu from presenting himself or attending any official function as deputy governor pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
“Therefore, the status quo remains that His Excellency Omobayo Marvelous Godwins is the deputy governor of Edo State. Any correspondence carried out by any other person, including Philip Shaibu, constitutes impersonation, and anyone dealing with him does so at their own risk.
“Security agencies are hereby alerted to the potential breach of peace and are urged to hold Philip Shaibu accountable for any security breaches in the State arising from his actions.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media