KEY POINTS
- Governor Obaseki restates the impeachment of Philip Shaibu.
- Obaseki questions the validity of Shaibu’s most recent orders.
- Regarding Shaibu’s status, legal proceedings are still pending.
Following Philip Shaibu’s recent denials and acts to the contrary, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has reaffirmed that Shaibu is still impeached in his capacity as the state’s deputy governor.
Obaseki underlined that until the legal issues are completely settled, Shaibu is powerless to give orders to state workers.
Obaseki dismisses the authority of Shaibu
Philip Shaibu recently cautioned permanent secretaries and heads of ministries, divisions, and agencies (MDAs) against attempts by political appointees to embezzle public funds. Governor Obaseki responded to Shaibu’s statements with his own statement on Friday.
Obaseki described these comments as “infantile ramblings,” highlighting the fact that Shaibu is still under investigation prior to a court ruling.
Through Crusoe Osagie, his Special Adviser on Media Projects, Obaseki delivered a statement in which he instructed Edo State staff to ignore any directives from Shaibu.
Obaseki asserts that Shaibu lacks the right and power to command government employees, and he advises them to carry out their jobs without fear of harassment or intimidation.
Since the Federal High Court in Abuja overturned Philip Shaibu’s impeachment in July and ordered his reinstatement because the Edo State House of Assembly had violated due process during the process, tensions between Obaseki and Shaibu have continued to escalate.
Since then, there have been challenges to Justice James Omotosho’s decision.
Court cases and contradictory allegations
On September 24, Justice Omotosho dismissed two separate motions filed by the Edo State Government and the House of Assembly challenging the reinstatement of Shaibu. The court also awarded a cost of ₦400,000 against the state government and the House of Assembly.
Despite the court’s orders, Obaseki has maintained that Shaibu is not authorized to act as deputy governor until the ongoing legal matters are conclusively addressed. According to Punch, Obaseki further emphasized that Shaibu’s recent statements are invalid, given his current status.
Edo state’s leadership crisis
Obaseki’s recent statement highlights the ongoing friction within Edo State’s leadership.
The governor stated, “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.”
Obaseki underscored that, until the court provides a final determination, Shaibu remains impeached and without any authority.
He urged government workers to ignore Shaibu’s directives and continue their work without fear, stressing the importance of delivering effective services to the people of Edo State.
