Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has vehemently rejected accusations of impersonation leveled against him by the state government, calling the allegations an “affront on the judiciary” and a violation of a recent court ruling.
The controversy started when Shaibu recently declared that he had resumed his duties as deputy governor, following a Federal High Court order that overturned his impeachment.
The Edo State government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, swiftly responded by accusing Shaibu of impersonating Omabayo Godwins, who was appointed as deputy governor after Shaibu’s removal in April.
Shaibu’s spokesperson, Ebomhiana Musa, issued a statement on Tuesday, defending the deputy governor’s actions and criticizing the Obaseki administration’s response.
“We view this as an insult to the people of Edo State who overwhelmingly voted for Mr Obaseki/Shaibu joint ticket in the governorship election of September 2020,” Musa declared.
The statement went on to describe Godwins as an “impostor” and merely an “appointee” of Governor Obaseki, emphasizing that the people of Edo never voted for him.
Addressing the legal complexities, Musa argued that the stay of execution filed by the Edo State House of Assembly against Shaibu’s reinstatement does not negate the court’s judgment.
“Both parties must obey the judgment, pending the determination of the stay of execution by the same court,” he asserted.
The spokesperson also leveled serious accusations against Governor Obaseki, claiming he has shown “disdain for the judiciary and flagrant disrespect for judicial pronouncements.” Musa alleged that Obaseki had boasted about maintaining Godwins as deputy governor until the end of his term, reportedly stating, “I will take care of the judiciary.”
“It’s unfortunate that Mr Obaseki has behaved as if he is a law unto himself, especially since the 17 July court judgment which reinstated Mr Shaibu as Deputy Governor of Edo State after his purported impeachment by the State House of Assembly,” Musa added.
