The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, resumed his duties following a Federal High Court ruling that overturned his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly,Daily Trust reports.
In a video shared on his X account on Monday, Shaibu instructed any staff who had not yet resumed work since his reinstatement to do so immediately or face consequences. He also cautioned banks against conducting transactions with the Office of the Deputy Governor without his authorization, labeling such actions as illegal.
Shaibu emphasized that his return to office was in line with the constitution, stating, “In adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, I announce my official resumption to office.” He further noted that the court’s decision to reinstate him confirmed that his office had never been vacant.
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However, shortly after Shaibu’s broadcast, Governor Godwin Obaseki claimed that Shaibu was impersonating the Deputy Governor and should be ignored. The Edo State Government, through a statement signed by Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare, asserted that Shaibu is not the Deputy Governor and that any correspondence from him should be disregarded as fraudulent. The statement highlighted that the legal battle over Shaibu’s reinstatement is ongoing, with the next court hearing scheduled for September 24, 2024. According to the state government, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins remains the Deputy Governor, and any actions by Shaibu are considered impersonation.
The statement also warned security agencies about the potential for a breach of peace, urging them to hold Shaibu accountable for any resulting disturbances.
In response, Shaibu, through his media office, reiterated that the court had settled the issue of his impeachment, declaring the actions of the State House of Assembly and the state government illegal, null, and void. He emphasized that the court’s ruling reinstating him as Deputy Governor was binding and should be respected. Shaibu added that Marvellous Omobayo Godwins is the one impersonating the Deputy Governor and could be held in contempt of court. He advised Nehikhare and the state government to wait for their request for a stay of execution to be heard on September 24, 2024.
