By Abiola Olawale
The Edo State Government has issued a warning to Comrade Philip Shaibu to purportedly stop impersonating the deputy governor.
The Edo State Government through the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, also called on Shaibu to stop presenting himself as the deputy governor of the state.
Nehikare, in the statement, maintained that the state government has already approached the Appeal Court to appeal the decision of the Federal High Court, which reinstated Shaibu as deputy governor of Edo State.
The commissioner also argued that the matter is already before the appellate court, and as such, the status quo would be maintained pending the verdict of the court.
He 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.”
It would be recalled that a Federal High Court in Abuja reinstated Shaibu as the deputy governor of Edo State on July 17, three months after the Edo House of Assembly had impeached him.
Judge James Omotosho declared that Shaibu’s impeachment by the state assembly was illegal.
Omotosho ordered the Inspector General of Police to restore Shaibu’s security details and directed that his salaries and allowances be paid from April when he was removed from office.
However, following the judgement, the Edo Assembly has appealed the judgement and filed for a stay of its execution pending the determination of the appeal.
