Shaibu also warned banks against conducting transactions with his office without his explicit approval, saying it’s illegal
By Kehinde Okeowo
Embattled Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu on Monday announced he has officially resumed his office.
He made this known via his X page, where he also directed all his staff to do the same by resuming their duties.
The Edo State House of Assembly had earlier impeached Shaibu following his face-off with Governor Godwin Obaseki.
However, a court sitting in Abuja reinstated him despite the stance of the Edo State government.
Announcing his resumption in a video he shared on his verified social media handle, Shaibu emphasized that the Federal High Court’s judgment which reinstated him meant his office was never vacant.
Shaibu tweeted, “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.”
He went on to warn banks against conducting transactions with his office without his explicit approval, saying it’s illegal.
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 further revealed that he has requested the state governor’s approval to reinstate his aides but is still awaiting a response.
Reacting to the claim, Edo State Government stated that Philip Shaibu is impersonating the deputy governor and should stop presenting himself as such.
In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, the government said, “It has come to the attention of the Edo State Government that the former Deputy Governor, Comr. 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.
“The issue of his purported reinstatement is still active in court, with the next hearing for the two separate motions filed by the State Government and the Edo House of Assembly challenging the purported reinstatement by Justice James Omotosho scheduled for 24 September 2024.
“The State, through the Attorney General of Edo State and the Edo House of Assembly, represented by their lawyers, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, and Ken Mozia, SAN, respectively, has sought an order for a stay of execution of the purported reinstatement, an order suspending the judgement, and a restraining order preventing Shaibu from presenting himself or attending any official function as deputy governor pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
“Therefore, the status quo remains that His Excellency, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, is the deputy governor of Edo State. Any correspondence carried out by any other person, including Philip Shaibu, constitutes impersonation, and anyone dealing with him does so at their own risk.
“Security agencies are hereby alerted to the potential breach of peace and are urged to hold Philip Shaibu accountable for any security breaches in the State arising from his actions.”