Fresh showdown hits Edo over D’gov’s Shaibu returns

VAM News August 13, 2024 in Politics Tagged Edo state, Obaseki, Shaibu - 6 Minutes

…as deputy Gov, directs staff to report for duty, Obaseki kicks

…Edo Govt accuses Shaibu of impersonating deputy Gov

…Obaseki’s claim spurious, says Shaibu

Resumption of the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu to his office, on Monday, has sparked off a fresh row between him and his estranged principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Shaibu, upon his resumption, directed his staff to also report for duty.

He has also warned banks carrying out transactions with the Office of the Deputy Governor of Edo State without his express consent about the illegality of such transactions.

In a video broadcast, Shaibu mandated those yet to resume work since his reinstatement to do so or face the consequences.

“In adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, I announce my official resumption to office,” he said.

According to him, the judgement of the Federal High Court which reinstated him indicated that his office has never been vacant.

He also expressed sadness over the killing of a police officer attached to the Edo APC governorship candidate for the September 21 election.

The incident happened on Shaibu’s return to Edo State following the delivery of the court judgment. The reinstated deputy governor said that he was informed that some suspects have been arrested.

Shaibu said he had upon his return to office requested the state Governor’s approval for the reinstatement of his aides but has still not received a response to this formal request.

Meanwhile, Following the reinstatement of the Edo state Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu back to office on July 17th 2024 by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki has refused Shaibu access to his office in Benin City.

Upon the refusal of the Court to also grant the application for stay of execution, and then adjourned the hearing to 24th of September, 2024, Edo State Government May be faced with Court Contempt in the next few days.

Also briefing journalists in Abuja on Monday, Dr. Dele Imafidion, Coordinator, Concerned Edolites said since Godwin Obaseki and his government canmot provide Court documents for Stay of Execution, Comrade Philip Shaibu remains the only deputy governor in the State.

Imafidion asked, “Can they provide the stay of execution? There is a court order reinstating Hon Philip Shaibu and until that order is vacated, he remains the authentic Deputy Governor. As for the file for Appeal, including the application for stay of execution, to my layman understanding, all the issues raised are not known to law for now as the case was adjourned to September 24.

“What that means is that Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki should be charged for contempt of Court. It is rest for the court to give valid interpretations to all these issues. I think this should be done without waste of time.”

But in a swift reaction, Edo State Government, on Monday, accused Shaibu of impersonating the state’s deputy governor and should stop presenting himself as such.

On July 17, an Abuja Federal High Court reinstated Shaibu as the deputy governor of Edo State, three months after the Edo State House of Assembly impeached him.

Presiding Justice James Omotosho declared that Shaibu’s impeachment by the state Assembly illegal.

The court ordered the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to restore Shaibu’s security details, adding that his salaries and allowances be paid from April when he was impeached.

Already, Edo State House of Assembly has appealed the judgement and filed for a stay of execution pending the determination of the appeal.

But Shaibu told newsmen after his reinstatement that the judgement that reinstated him was declarative and must be implemented before an appeal could be considered.

But in a statement, the state’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris 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.

“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 issue of his purported reinstatement is still active in court, with 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 scheduled for 24 September 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.

“Therefore, the status quo remains that His Excellency, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, is the deputy governor of Edo State. Any correspondence carried out by any other person, including Philip Shaibu, constitutes impersonation, and anyone dealing with him does so at their own risk.

“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.”

“While the stay of judgment execution filed by the state cannot see the light of day until the judgment is executed. In other words, a motion for a stay of execution does not automatically translate to a restraining order; a law court of competent jurisdiction has to sit, hear the prayers before even granting one.

“As it stands, Mr. Marvellous Omobayo Godwins is the impersonator here and liable to contempt of the court order. Besides, the judgment reinstating His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, had barred even the governor from interfering with his duties as Deputy Governor.

“We advise Mr. Nehikhare and agents of the state government to wait for their purported request for a stay of execution to be heard by the court on September 24, 2024, under Honorable Justice James Omotosho, as widely publicised, before rushing to the press to issue statements and press releases.

“Again, we wish to remind the Commissioner of a pending N50 billion defamation and contempt of court suit hanging on his neck and that of Mr. Cruose Osagie, Governor’s Special Adviser on Media Project. Nehikhare is making a statement that Mr. Godwin Obaseki will not be there to help him by the time we are in court, and he should stop, in his own interest. But if he is so adamant, we dare him to issue more statements on the matter on an official letterhead, under his name.”

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