The Edo State Government has accused Philip Shaibu, the reinstated deputy governor of the state, of impersonation.
The State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare accused Philip Shaibu of impersonating Godwin Omobayo as the Deputy Governor of the state in a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Monday in Benin City.
Recall that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court had on July 17, 2024, reinstated Philip Shaibu as the Deputy governor of the state in a case against his impeachment by the State House of Assembly.
The embattled Deputy governor was on March 18, 2024, impeached by the State House of Assembly over alleged disclosure of government’s classified information to members of the public.
Shaibu had in an interview after the court judgement, said he remained the authentic Deputy governor of the state.
He added that the judgment was declarative which the state government was duty bound to adhere to and implement.
However, in the statement, Chris Nehikhare noted that Shaibu’s purported reinstatement is currently before an Appeal Court.
According to him, ”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 organisations both within and outside the State in a clear case of impersonation.
“In the interest of the safety of these organizations, we want to restate that Shaibu is not the Deputy Governor of Edo State and every correspondence from him in that regard should be disregarded and considered a forgery.
“The issue of his purported reinstatement is still active in court and the next hearing for the two separate motions filed by the State Government and the Edo House of Assembly challenging the purported reinstatement by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court is fixed for 24 September 2024.
“The State through the Attorney General of Edo State and the Edo House of Assembly by their lawyers, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, and Ken Mozia, SAN, respectively, had in the motions sought an order for a stay of the execution of the purported reinstatement and an order suspending the judgment and restraining Shaibu from parading himself or attending any official function as deputy governor pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
“Therefore, 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, and anyone who deals with him does so at his or her own risk”, he said.
The commissioner, who said the Security agencies have been alerted to the potential breach of peace, however, urged the security agencies to hold Philip Shaibu responsible for any security breach in the State arising from his alleged ignoble actions.
