Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has reaffirmed that his embattled Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, remains impeached, despite recent developments.
In a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki urged state workers to disregard directives issued by Shaibu, asserting that the impeached deputy governor lacks the authority to make such statements.
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This response follows a recent comment attributed to Shaibu, where he warned Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prevent political appointees from looting government properties.
Obaseki described Shaibu’s statement as “infantile ramblings,” emphasizing that Shaibu remains impeached until the court makes a final determination on the matter.
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It is important to note that in July, the Federal High Court in Abuja nullified Shaibu’s impeachment, ordering his reinstatement as deputy governor on the grounds that due process was not followed by the Edo State House of Assembly.
Subsequently, on September 24, Justice James Omotosho dismissed two motions filed by the Edo State Government and the State House of Assembly challenging Shaibu’s reinstatement, while also imposing ₦400,000 in costs against the state.
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Despite these rulings, Governor Obaseki insists that Shaibu is still impeached and, until a court decision is reached, he cannot issue directives to government employees.
“We want to reiterate that Philip Shaibu remains impeached as Deputy Governor of Edo State and lacks the power to issue warnings or instructions to any staff of the Edo State Government,” the statement from Obaseki read.
Obaseki called on Edo State workers to continue performing their duties without fear or intimidation, while ensuring efficient service delivery to the people of the state.
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He stressed that they should disregard Shaibu’s statements and focus on their lawful responsibilities.
