The recently reinstated deputy governor of Edo state, Mr. Philip Shaibu, has announced, in a video message posted to social media, he has resumed office as the deputy governor of the state. Shaibu also directed all staff attached to the office to resume immediately or face sanctions.
The deputy governor was reinstated by a court order after he was impeached by the state house of assembly and replaced with Godwins Omobayo by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Shaibu said: “My good people of Edo State and fellow Nigerians, today I come before you to reiterate my dedication to serving the wonderful people of Edo State. My reinstatement as the deputy governor of Edo State is a testament to the divine grace of God Almighty, and the steadfast prayers of all Nigerians, for which I am truly grateful.
“In recent weeks, the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja (presided over by Justice James Omotosho), reinstated me as the deputy governor of Edo State. Acknowledging the illegality of the impeachment of April 8, 2024.
“Upon my arrival in Benin City on July 18, 2024, a tragic event occurred, as an assassination attempt was made on my life. Thankfully, the bullet missed its mark. Unfortunately, it hit an armed policeman (Inspector Onuh Akoh of No. 45 Police Mobile Force, Abuja), who was assigned to the governorship candidate of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) for the September 21, 2024 election in Edo State.
“I have been informed that many suspects have been apprehended, some of whom have provided crucial confessional statements.”
The embattled deputy governor, who recently defected to the main opposition APC in the State, also revealed his unpleasant experiences since his reinstatement by the court, especially on the refusal of Governor Godwin Obaseki of the governing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to cooperate with him.
Shaibu said: “Following my return to office, I have formally requested the governor’s approval of the reinstatement of my aides. However, I am yet to receive a response from him.
“Also, I recently communicated with the governor about my trip to United States of America to participate in the Afemai World Congress (of indigenes of Edo North Senatorial District and their friends), and to visit our athletes that were competing in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
“Today, I am issuing a clear directive to all staff within the deputy governor’s office, who have not yet returned to work, to resume forthwith. Failure to comply will result in appropriate sanctions.
“In line with the judgement, the office of the deputy governor was never vacant. In this regard, all transactions that would have been done in my absence remain illegal, null, void, and of no effect whatsoever. I want to make it known that any bank conducting business with the office of the deputy governor of Edo State, without my explicit approval, does so at its own risk.
“Nevertheless, I want to reassure my dear people of Edo State that I am back in my role as the deputy governor of Edo State, ready to perform my duties, fulfil my responsibilities, and deliver on the promises of democracy.”
Reacting to the news, the State’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, stated that Godwins Omobayo remained the deputy governor of the state, and described Shaibu as an impersonator, who should be disregarded.
He said: “It has come to the attention of the Edo State government that the former Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has been carrying out correspondence with different institutions and organizations, both within and outside the state, in a clear case of impersonation.
“In the interest of the safety of these organizations, we want to restate that Shaibu is not the Deputy Governor of Edo State, and every correspondence from him in that regard should be disregarded and considered a forgery.
“The issue of his purported reinstatement is still active in court, and the next hearing for the two separate motions filed by the State Government and the Edo House of Assembly, challenging the purported reinstatement by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court is fixed for 24 September 2024.
“The state, through the Attorney-General of Edo State, and the Edo House of Assembly by their lawyers, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, and Ken Mozia, SAN, respectively, had in the motions sought an order for a stay of the execution of the purported reinstatement and an order suspending the judgment and restraining Shaibu from parading himself or attending any official function as deputy governor, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.”
