The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, stated on Friday, October 4, that Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu remains impeached, despite a recent court ruling that voided his impeachment.
Governor Obaseki made this statement in response to comments credited to Shaibu, where he warned Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to be vigilant against political appointees trying to loot government properties.
In a statement signed by Obaseki’s Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, the governor urged Edo State workers to disregard what he described as “infantile ramblings,” reiterating that Shaibu remains impeached until the court issues a final determination. He emphasized that Shaibu has no power or authority to issue directives or warnings to any state government staff.
Back in July, the Federal High Court in Abuja voided Shaibu’s impeachment as Deputy Governor of Edo State. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the Edo State House of Assembly did not follow due process when impeaching Shaibu, and ordered his reinstatement to office.
On Tuesday, September 24, Justice Omotosho dismissed two separate motions filed by the Edo State Government and the State House of Assembly against Shaibu’s reinstatement. The court also ordered the Edo State Government and the House of Assembly to pay a total of ₦400,000 as legal costs.
Responding to Shaibu’s status, Governor Obaseki insisted in his statement on Friday, October 4, that Shaibu’s impeachment stands until a final decision is made by the court.
“Our attention has been drawn to the very ridiculous statement purportedly signed by the impeached deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, in which he warned Permanent Secretaries and Heads of MDAs to guard against the looting of government properties by political appointees,” the statement read.
“We want to restate that Philip Shaibu remains impeached as the Deputy Governor of Edo State until the court’s determination and therefore lacks the power and authority to issue directives or warnings to Permanent Secretaries, Heads of MDAs, or any staff employed by the Edo State Government.”
Obaseki further urged Edo State workers to disregard the statements made by Shaibu and to continue carrying out their duties without fear of intimidation or harassment.
“We urge all Edo workers to disregard the infantile ramblings of the impeached deputy governor and continue with their lawful duties without fear of intimidation or harassment while ensuring the delivery of quality and effective service to the people of Edo State,” Obaseki said.
