Obaseki Declares: Shaibu’s Impeachment Is Here To Stay—Court Ruling Not Withstanding!

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has firmly stated that the impeachment of his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, remains in effect, regardless of the court’s prior decision. This comes after Shaibu issued warnings to Permanent Secretaries and heads of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), urging them to safeguard government properties from potential looting by political appointees.

Responding to Shaibu’s remarks, Obaseki, via his Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, dismissed the comments as “infantile ramblings.” He reiterated that Shaibu’s impeachment stands until a final court ruling is delivered, meaning Shaibu lacks the authority to direct government officials.

In July, the Federal High Court in Abuja had annulled Shaibu’s impeachment, citing procedural irregularities by the Edo State House of Assembly. Justice James Omotosho ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement, asserting that due process had not been observed during the impeachment process.

On September 24, Justice Omotosho also dismissed attempts by the Edo State Government and the State House of Assembly to overturn Shaibu’s reinstatement, ordering them to pay ₦400,000 in costs.

Despite the court’s findings, Governor Obaseki has reiterated that Shaibu’s impeachment remains valid until the court reaches a final decision.

“We have noted the absurd statement supposedly made by the impeached Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, where he cautioned Permanent Secretaries and Heads of MDAs against the looting of government properties by political appointees.

“We want to emphasize that Philip Shaibu is still the impeached Deputy Governor of Edo State until the court makes a final determination. Thus, he has no power or authority to issue directives or warnings to Permanent Secretaries, Heads of MDAs, or any staff of the Edo State Government.

“We urge all Edo workers to ignore the childish outbursts of the impeached Deputy Governor and to focus on their lawful duties without fear of intimidation or harassment while ensuring quality service delivery to the people of Edo State,” Obaseki stated.