Obaseki argued that Shaibu lacked the power to issue directives, adding that he remains impeached until court says otherwise
By Kehinde Okeowo
Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki has countered a directive issued by his estranged deputy, Philip Shaibu barely 40 days before the end of his administration.
Shaibu had in a circular urged permanent secretaries and departmental heads to guard against looting of government properties by political appointees.
The circular, dated October 4, 2024, and personally signed by the reinstated deputy governor, warned that they would be held accountable by the incoming administration for any missing assets under their watch.
He said, “As our administration ends in a few weeks, I have issued a stern warning to Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to guard against the looting of government properties by political appointees, as they would be held accountable by the incoming administration for any assets missing under their watch.”
Shaibu added, “So, the failure of Permanent Secretaries and heads of these MDAs to act means they will be held responsible for giving an account of their inventories. Removing fixed items and government properties is a crime and unacceptable.”
ALSO READ: PDP warns police not to derail Rivers LG election, urges residents to assert sovereignty
Responding to the directive on behalf of Governor Obaseki, his Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, urged the Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments and Agencies to disregard the circular.
He went on to state that Shaibu lacked the power and authority to issue directives or warnings them, adding that he remains impeached as the deputy governor of Edo State until the determination of the court.
“Our attention has been drawn to the very ridiculous statement purportedly signed by the impeached deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, in which he warned Permanent Secretaries and Heads of MDAs to guard against the looting of government properties by political appointees.
“We want to restate that Philip Shaibu remains impeached as the deputy governor of Edo State until the determination of the court and therefore lacks the power and authority to issue directives or warnings to Permanent Secretaries, Heads of MDAs, or any staff under the employ of the Edo State Government.
“We urge all Edo workers to disregard the infantile ramblings of the impeached deputy governor and continue with their lawful duties without fear of intimidation and harassment while ensuring the delivery of quality and effective service to the people of Edo State,” Osagie said.