Philip Shaibu claims he was instrumental in Governor Obaseki’s rise, rather than Obaseki’s influence on him.
After being reinstated to office by the court, Philip Shaibu – Edo State’s Deputy Governor – expressed his disappointment in Governor Godwin Obaseki for disregarding him. He boasted that he was responsible for getting Obaseki elected as governor.
During his appearance on Channels Television’s political programme, Politics Today last Friday, Shaibu revealed that it took former governor Adams Oshiomhole three months to persuade him into supporting Obaseki’s candidacy for the position of a Governor.
Initially, Obaseki lacked political experience and was also financially weak to run for the election. It was due to Oshiomhole’s endorsement that he joined politics. Some of us were skeptical about his candidacy but after three months of convincing by Oshiomhole, I and some supporters agreed to back him up.
Shaibu stated that their decision to support Oshiomhole was based on respect, and it was not him who provided any funding for the campaign. Instead, they utilized their own resources and contacted friends to contribute financially while also using their political influence in helping him become governor; therefore he did not make Shaibu but rather vice versa as claimed when discussing governors and deputy governors.
The two individuals have been in disagreement regarding the gubernatorial election held within their state.
Shaibu stated that he was requested to become Obaseki’s deputy in order to enhance the political worth of their party’s ticket, given that Obaseki lacked a background as a politician.
Read Also: Reinstated Edo Deputy Governor Shaibu Resumes Duties, Instructs Staff
According to him, his intention of running for the 2024 governorship election was hindered by his principal who withheld funds due to him as a former deputy governor. Furthermore, he disclosed that no payment had been made into his account from the government in over twelve months.
Upon his restoration as the deputy governor by a Federal High Court, Shaibu declared that he was resuming his duties and instructed his staff to do likewise. Nevertheless, the Edo state government issued an official statement alleging that Shaibu is assuming the identity of the deputy governor.
Shaibu responded to the accusation of impersonation by stating that Governor Obaseki’s lawlessness has been demonstrated.
Today, the governor of Edo state is deemed to be lawless by stating that Philip Shaibu impersonated while holding office. If not for his disregard for the law, he would acknowledge the valid court judgment already served.
He is disregarding more than just one court ruling and as a governor, he fails to adhere even to his own government’s protocols.
Reinstatement of Shaibu
On July 17, Justice Omotoso rendered a judgment declaring the impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.
In a violation of both sections 188 and 35 of the amended 1999 Constitution, the court ruled that the impeachment in question was grossly unconstitutional.
According to the judge’s ruling, the impeachment was a serious breach of the Constitution.
In addition to reinstating Shaibu, the court mandated that he receive his due salaries and allowances dating back from April when he was ousted as deputy governor of the state.
Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly have been ordered by the court to refrain from impeding Shaibu in carrying out his duties, through a perpetual injunction.
His security details were also directed to be reinstated by Justice Omotosho with an order given to Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The Edo State House of Assembly has lodged an appeal against the judgement passed by the High Court and submitted a motion seeking to suspend execution until after the appeal.
Around three months following the impeachment of the beleaguered 54-year-old as deputy governor by lawmakers, a court verdict was reached.
