Godwin Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State, has stated that Philip Shaibu, the embattled Deputy Governor, will remain impeached.
Obaseki made the statement on Friday in response to a comment attributed to Shaibu, which warned Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to be wary of political appointees attempting to loot government properties.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki told Edo workers to disregard what he described as “infantile ramblings,” claiming that Shaibu is impeached until the court’s decision and thus lacks the power and authority to issue directives or warnings to any Edo State Government employees.
Recall that in July, the Federal High Court in Abuja overturned Philip Shaibu’s impeachment as Edo State’s deputy governor.
Justice James Omotosho ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement to office after the Edo State House of Assembly failed to follow due process in impeaching him.
On Tuesday, September 24, Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed two separate motions filed by the Edo State Government and the State House of Assembly against the reinstatement of Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of the State.
The court imposed a total cost of ₦400,000 on the Edo State Government and State Assembly.
Justice James Omotosho, while delivering judgment in the suit, ordered that Shaibu be reinstated to office because the Edo State House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in impeaching him.
On Tuesday, September 24, Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed two separate motions filed by the Edo State Goverment and the State House of Assembly against the reinstatement of Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of the State.
The court also awarded a total cost of ₦400,000 against the Edo State Government and the State Assembly.
In response to Shaibu’s status as deputy governor, Obaseki insisted in the statement on Friday that, “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 reiterate that Philip Shaibu remains impeached as Edo State’s Deputy Governor until the court’s decision, and thus lacks the power and authority to issue directives or warnings to Permanent Secretaries, Heads of MDAs, or any Edo State Government employees.
“We urge all Edo workers to ignore the impeached deputy governor’s infantile ramblings and continue with their lawful duties without fear of intimidation or harassment, ensuring the delivery of quality and effective service to the people of Edo State.”