Shaibu resumes as Edo state deputy governor

He’s impersonating, state govt says
Embattled Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, yesterday, officially resumed his office.

Shaibu also directed all his staff to resume their duties. Announcing his resumption via a video on X, Shaibu wrote: “In adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I announce my official resumption to the office. God Bless Edo State, God Bless Nigeria.”

The court-reinstated Deputy Governor warned that staff members who failed to resume duties would face the consequences of their actions.

He emphasised that the Federal High Court’s judgment, which reinstated him, meant his office was never vacant.

He warned banks against conducting transactions with his office without his explicit approval.

Shaibu also expressed sadness over the killing of a police officer attached to the Edo APC governorship candidate, which occurred upon his return to the state, noting that the suspects have been arrested.

He also revealed that he has requested the state governor’s approval to reinstate his aides, but is still awaiting a response.

The Edo State House of Assembly had impeached Shaibu, following his face-off with Governor Godwin Obaseki. But, the Appeal Court, in Abuja, reinstated him despite the stance of the Edo State government.

MEANWHILE, the Edo State government, yesterday, said that Shaibu is impersonating the deputy governor and should stop presenting himself as such.

The Edo State House of Assembly had appealed Shaibu’s reinstatement judgment and filed for a stay of its execution pending the determination of the appeal.

However, Shaibu, in an interview after his reinstatement, said that the judgment that reinstated him was declarative and must be implemented before an appeal could be considered.

Nevertheless, in a statement, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said: “It has come to the attention of the Edo State government that the former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has been corresponding with various institutions and organisations both within and outside the state in a clear case of impersonation.”

“In the interest of these organisations’ safety, we want to reiterate that Shaibu is not the Deputy Governor of Edo State, and any correspondence from him in that regard should be disregarded and considered a forgery.”