BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has reaffirmed that Philip Shaibu remains impeached as deputy governor, despite recent court developments.
Obaseki’s statement issued on Saturday, October 5, 2024, came in response to a directive issued by Shaibu cautioning Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) against political appointees allegedly attempting to loot government property.
In a statement signed by Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki’s Special Adviser on Media Projects, the governor dismissed Shaibu’s authority to issue any directives, emphasising that Shaibu’s impeachment still stands pending further court rulings.
“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,” the statement read.
Obaseki asserted that Shaibu’s impeachment remains legally binding, despite a July court ruling that nullified the process.
“We want to restate that Philip Shaibu remains impeached as the Deputy Governor of Edo State until the court’s determination and, therefore, lacks the power and authority to issue directives or warnings to Permanent Secretaries, Heads of MDAs, or any staff employed by the Edo State Government,” the statement continued.
Obaseki urged government workers to disregard Shaibu’s statements and continue performing their duties without distraction.
“Edo workers should disregard the infantile ramblings of the impeached deputy governor and continue with their lawful duties,” he added.
The ongoing political rift between Obaseki and Shaibu has escalated in recent months, with Shaibu’s impeachment fueling legal battles and power struggles within the state government.
