Philip Shaibu Resumes as Edo Deputy Governor Amidst Government Accusation
Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, announced his return to office on Monday, sparking controversy as the state government accused him of impersonation.
In a video broadcast on X, Shaibu stated, “My reinstatement as 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.”
Shaibu, who was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly in April following a prolonged conflict with Governor Godwin Obaseki, was reinstated by a Federal High Court ruling on July 17.
While Shaibu directed his staff to resume their duties immediately, warning those who failed to comply of potential consequences, the Edo State Government, through its Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Osa Nehikhare, swiftly responded, describing Shaibu’s actions as a “clear case of impersonation.”
“It has come to the attention of the Edo State Government that the former Deputy Governor, Comr. Philip Shaibu, has been carrying out correspondence with different institutions and organizations both within and outside the State in a clear case of impersonation,” Nehikhare said in a statement.
The commissioner emphasized that Shaibu should not be regarded as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, as the issue of his purported reinstatement is still being contested in court. The next hearing for the two separate motions filed by the State Government and the Edo House of Assembly, challenging the reinstatement by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, is scheduled for September 24, 2024.
Nehikhare further stated, “The status quo is that His Excellency, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, remains the Deputy Governor of Edo State, and any correspondence carried out by any other person, including Philip Shaibu, is an act of impersonation. Anyone who deals with him does so at his or her own risk.”
He also alerted security agencies to the potential breach of peace, urging them to hold Shaibu responsible for any unrest in the state stemming from his actions.
