Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has insisted that his deputy, Philip Shaibu, remains impeached despite a court ruling on the matter. This came after Shaibu advised Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that government properties are not looted by political appointees.
Through his Special Adviser on Media, Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki dismissed Shaibu’s comments as “childish ramblings.” He stressed that until the court delivers a final verdict, Shaibu’s impeachment is still in effect, meaning the deputy governor has no authority to issue any instructions to government officials.
In July, the Federal High Court in Abuja had nullified Shaibu’s impeachment, citing procedural issues in the Edo State House of Assembly’s process. Justice James Omotosho ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement, stating that proper steps were not followed during the impeachment.
Again, on September 24, the court dismissed attempts by the Edo State Government and House of Assembly to challenge Shaibu’s reinstatement, awarding ₦400,000 in costs against both bodies.
However, in his latest statement, Governor Obaseki stood firm, maintaining that Shaibu’s impeachment remains until a final court decision.
“Our attention has been drawn to a ridiculous statement supposedly from the impeached Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, warning Permanent Secretaries and Heads of MDAs against looting by political appointees.
“We reiterate that Philip Shaibu is still impeached as Deputy Governor of Edo State until the court’s final determination. He therefore has no authority to issue any directives or warnings to state employees.
“We encourage all Edo State workers to ignore the ramblings of the impeached deputy governor and continue their duties without fear of intimidation while ensuring they deliver quality service to the people of Edo State,” Obaseki stated.
