Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has maintained that embattled Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu remains impeached, despite the court’s decision on the matter.
This statement was made in response to comments from Shaibu, where he warned Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prevent looting of government properties by political appointees.
Obaseki, through his Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, dismissed Shaibu’s warnings as “infantile ramblings.”
He emphasized that Shaibu’s impeachment stands until the court’s final determination and, as a result, Shaibu lacks the authority to issue directives to government employees.
It should be recalled that in July, the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the impeachment of Shaibu, citing procedural irregularities by the Edo State House of Assembly.
Justice James Omotosho ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement, stating that due process was not followed during the impeachment.
Further, on September 24, Justice Omotosho dismissed motions from the Edo State Government and the State House of Assembly seeking to overturn Shaibu’s reinstatement.
The court awarded ₦400,000 in costs against both the Edo Government and the Assembly.
However, Governor Obaseki, in his latest statement, reiterated that Shaibu’s impeachment stands until a final ruling is made.
“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.
“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.
“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 stated.
