By Ken Afor
Details have emerged that Mr. Pascal Ugbomhe may likely replace the embattled Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu if the seven-man panel headed by retired Justice Stephen Omonua finds Shaibu guilty of the charges leveled against him.
The political rift between Shaibu and his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki started in 2023 when the former reportedly started behaving inappropriately and unethically as deputy governor. He was subsequently accused of unauthorized disclosure of government secrets and acts of perjury.
The matter escalated when Shaibu was served with an impeachment notice on March 6 on the floor of the Edo State House of Assembly by Mr. Charity Aiguobarueghian, the Majority Leader.
The impeachment notice was reportedly signed by 21 out of the 24 lawmakers, more than the required 16 (two-thirds) members of the house to send the deputy governor packing.
The proceedings of Justice Omonua seven-man Panel, which was set up by Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa was concluded on Friday, April 5.
Inside sources within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), revealed that Governor Obaseki’s strategic decision to consider Mr. Ugbomhe, a former member of the Edo State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2003, from Ekperi in Etsako Central Local Government Area (LGA), is driven by his commitment to reconcile the warring factions within the party and navigate the current political landscape strategically.
Also, selecting Mr. Ugbomhe, a University of Benin (UNIBEN) law graduate and former chairman of Etsako Central LGA, could significantly help in reconciling the differences within the Legacy Group.
They explained that members of the Legacy Group, who rallied behind Dr. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama for the party ticket, and Governor Obaseki would find common ground with Mr. Ugbomhe, as he is a dedicated member of their faction. His involvement is expected to bridge the gap between these factions and foster unity within the party.
One of the sources said: “There is every likelihood that Mr. Ugbomhe will take the place of Comrade Shaibu in the event that he is impeached. Governor Obaseki doesn’t want a divided house in the run up to the governorship election. The choice of Pascal will be a brilliant master stroke as he (Ugbomhe) will take the wind off the sail of the Legacy Group, who are still angry over Ighodalo and Ogie ticket.
“Besides, during the forthcoming election, Pascal is supposed to galvanize the PDP elements in the three Etsako Local Government Areas of West, East and Central, Oshiomhole’s home turf and the rest of Edo North. Pending any last minute change, Pascal is it “
