In a developing legal and political conflict, the Edo State Government issued a stern warning on Monday, accusing Comrade Philip Shaibu of impersonating the deputy governor. The government asserts that Shaibu, who was recently reinstated by a Federal High Court in Abuja, has been unlawfully presenting himself as the deputy governor.
The conflict stems from the July 17 ruling by Justice James Omotosho, who reinstated Shaibu as deputy governor three months after he was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly. The judge declared Shaibu’s impeachment illegal and ordered his immediate reinstatement, including the restoration of his security details and the payment of his salaries and allowances from April, when he was removed from office.
However, the Edo Assembly has contested the ruling, appealing the judgment and filing for a stay of execution pending the outcome of the appeal. Despite this, Shaibu has maintained that the court’s judgment must be implemented before any appeal can be considered.
In a recent interview, Shaibu emphasized the declarative nature of the judgment, stating, “The judgement that reinstated me was declarative and must be implemented before an appeal could be considered.”
Contrarily, the Edo State Government, through the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, has condemned Shaibu’s actions.
In a statement, Nehikhare said, “It has come to the attention of the Edo State Government that the former Deputy Governor, Comr. Philip Shaibu has been corresponding with various institutions and organisations both within and outside the State in a clear case of impersonation.”
Nehikhare further warned institutions and organizations to disregard any correspondence from Shaibu, stating, “In the interest of these organisations’ safety, we want to reiterate that 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 Commissioner also clarified that the issue of Shaibu’s reinstatement is still being contested in court. The next hearing for the motions filed by the State Government and the Edo House of Assembly, challenging the reinstatement, is scheduled for September 24, 2024.
“The State, through the Attorney General of Edo State and the Edo House of Assembly, represented by their lawyers, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, and Ken Mozia, SAN, respectively, has sought an order for a stay of execution of the purported reinstatement, an order suspending the judgement, and a restraining order preventing Shaibu from presenting himself or attending any official function as deputy governor pending the hearing and determination of the appeal,” Nehikhare added.
The government has reiterated that Omobayo Marvelous Godwins remains the legitimate deputy governor of Edo State. Nehikhare concluded with a warning, saying, “Any correspondence carried out by any other person, including Philip Shaibu, constitutes impersonation, and anyone dealing with him does so at their own risk.”
Additionally, the statement called on security agencies to be vigilant, as Shaibu’s actions could potentially lead to a breach of peace.
“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,” the statement read.
The ongoing legal and political drama continues to unfold, with all eyes on the upcoming court hearing in September.