Nigeria’s Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has reaffirmed that Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu remains impeached despite recent court rulings. Obaseki’s statement came in response to Shaibu’s warning to Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to prevent political appointees from looting government properties.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki dismissed Shaibu’s warning as “infantile ramblings” and urged Edo workers to disregard it. Obaseki emphasized that Shaibu lacks the power and authority to issue directives or warnings until the court’s determination.
The impeachment saga began in July when the Federal High Court in Abuja voided Shaibu’s impeachment due to the Edo State House of Assembly’s failure to comply with due process. Justice James Omotosho ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement as Deputy Governor.
However, on September 24, Justice Omotosho dismissed two motions filed by the Edo State Government and the State House of Assembly against Shaibu’s reinstatement. The court also awarded ₦400,000 against the Edo State Government and the State Assembly.
Obaseki maintained that Shaibu remains impeached until the court’s final determination. “We want to restate that Philip Shaibu remains impeached as the Deputy Governor of Edo State… and therefore lacks the power and authority to issue directives or warnings,” Obaseki stated.
Shaibu’s impeachment was a culmination of the months-long political drama between Governor Obaseki and his deputy. The Edo State Assembly impeached Shaibu after adopting a report of a committee probing alleged misconduct.
The Edo State Government and the State House of Assembly had filed motions against Shaibu’s reinstatement, but the court dismissed them. The court’s decision has sparked controversy, with Obaseki insisting on Shaibu’s impeachment.
As the impeachment saga unfolds, Edo State workers are caught in the middle. Obaseki has urged them to continue their lawful duties without fear of intimidation or harassment, ensuring quality service delivery to the people of Edo State.
