The impeached former deputy governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has described his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly on Monday as a “flagrant abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust that the people have.”
Shaibu, who has been at loggerheads with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, was impeached by over a two-thirds majority of the 24-man Assembly, with 18 out of the 20 members present at Monday’s plenary voting in favour of his impeachment and one voting against it just as the speaker presided.
With this development, Shaibu stands as the first deputy governor of Edo State to be impeached since the creation of the state in August 1991.
In his immediate reaction to the development, the impeached former deputy governor, who was also before an Abuja Federal High Court for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights via an interlocutory injunction while the Assembly was voting to decide his fate, said that the impeachment was not just an attack on him but the entire democratic process.
In a video recorded from his private study, Shaibu attributed his travails to his ambition to succeed his principal when their joint tenure ends on November 16 this year.
The pensive former Edo State number two man said that the allegations levelled against him were nothing more than a smokescreen to conceal the true motive behind the impeachment.
“This is not just an attack on me as an individual but on the very democratic principle that will hold, and it is dangerous and a threat to the foundation of our democracy.
“Let it be clear that this impeachment was harshed because of my ambition to contest the Edo State 2024 governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), an ambition that is a legal right to all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It’s a shame that our political landscape and vision are meant with resistance, and those in power seize to silence our position through a legendary means.
“I have dedicated my life to serving the good people of Edo State with integrity and honesty. I have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens and to uphold the values of democracy and justice. And yet, in return, I am faced with business accusations and a blunt disregard for due process and the rule of law,” Shaibu lamented.
“The allegations brought against me are nothing more than a smokescreen to conceal the true motive behind this impeachment.
“It’s a flagrant abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust that the people of Edo have placed in their elected officials.
“We refused to stay inactive while our democratic institutions manipulate and exploit us for personal gain.”
Going further, Comrade Shaibu added, “We will fight this injustice with every strength at our disposal for the sake of the people of Edo State and the future of democracy.
“I call upon all well-meaning citizens of Edo State and indeed all Nigerians who believe in the principles of democracy and justice to stand with us in this moment of crisis.
“We cannot allow tyranny and operations to take root in our society. We must resist the forces that seek to undermine our freedom and trample upon our rights as members of the Edo State Assembly who have chosen to forsake their own out of office. I say this: history will judge you for your betrayal of the people who elected you to represent their interests.
“But know this: you do not have the power to silence the voice of justice and truth. I call upon the judiciary and all relevant authorities to intervene and uphold the principles of justice and fairness.
Let the truth prevail over lies. Let the rule of law triumph over lawlessness. I am confident that the legal system will vindicate me and expose the sham that has been orchestrated against me.
“I want to reaffirm my commitment to the people of Edo State and the values that bind us together as a collective. I will not be deterred or intimidated by those who seek to truncate the survival of our democracy.
“I will continue to fight for the rights and freedom of all, by extension, Nigerians that suffer operations. I will stand firm in my resolve to see justice done.
“As we stand united in the face of tyranny and oppression,. I call on our supporters to remain calm and go about our lawful duties as good citizens and as Democrats. Together, we will overcome these dark chapters in our history and become much stronger and more resolute in our pursuit of freedom and a just society.
Meanwhile, Governor Godwin Obaseki has appointed 38-year-old Marvellous Godwin’s Omobayo from Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the state as Shaibu’s replacement.
Omobayo was sworn in by the Chief Judge (CJ) of the state, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, less than two hours after Shaibu was impeached.
A profile of the new deputy governor released by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, described him as a “seasoned engineer with a proven track record of progressive professional experience in the oil and gas sector.”
Omobayo, who was born on July 19, 1986, holds a B.Eng. degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and an MSc. in Public Administration from the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
Omobayo, who expressed shock at his nomination, pledged to be loyal to the governor.
In impeaching Shaibu, the Assembly relied on the reports of Justice Stephen Omonua’s seven-man panel set up by the Edo CJ to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct levelled against the impeached deputy governor by the Assembly.
The panel, which submitted that the allegation of perjury against Shaibu was not proven, however, sustained the allegation of disclosure of an official secret against Shaibu.
The Assembly adopted the report of the panel and, upon the adoption of the sustained allegation, impeached the deputy governor at exactly 10.30 am.
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