By kawaekwune Jeffrey
Impeached Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu reportedly found his way into Edo State Government House Monday and proceeded to inspect several ongoing projects in the state.
This move comes despite a stern warning from the Edo State Government cautioning Shaibu to comply with an existing and subsisting Court order on stay of execution on his reinstatement as deputy governor of Edo state.
Reports monitored by The New Diplomat showed that Shaibu visited key infrastructure developments projects in the State, including the multi-billion-naira five-star Radisson Blu Hotel, the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA), and road construction sites on Okada Avenue and Central Road.
Addressing the press during the tour, Shaibu emphasized his commitment to ensuring that all major works under the outgoing administration are in good standing.
He said: “Work is about 80 per cent completed. It is fine, but I have my reservation. This is supposed to be a Central Hospital for the people, not a museum.”
Reacting to the development, the Edo state government in a press statement signed by Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser on Communication and Stratefy said Shaibu should behave appropriately. and I line with the ethics of public service.
Osagie said: “Shaibu, just like any private citizen, can take a tour around the exceptional projects of Governor Godwin Obaseki. We warn, however, that both Philip Shaibu and the security agencies should not carry out actions that violate the laws and the constitution.”
It would be recalled that Obaseki and Shaibu had been at loggerheads over a year, leading to the impeachment of the latter.
However, Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, in a ruling declared the impeachment of Shaibu as illegal and unconstitutional.
The judge held that Shuaibu’s impeachment and subsequent removal from office violated the provisions of the law.
He also ordered his reinstatement as deputy governor of the state.
The ruling came after the Edo State Assembly impeached Shaibu on April 8, 2024, in a culmination of the months-long political drama with Obaseki.
The impeachment followed the adoption of the report of the seven-man investigative panel set up by the state’s Chief Judge to probe allegations of misconduct against Shaibu.
The retired Justice S. A. Omonuwa-led panel had accused Shaibu of allegedly leaking the state government’s secrets in the affidavit he filed in support of his suit in Abuja.
The panel, in its reports, accused Shaibu of violating the Oath of Secrecy he took and acted contrary to the provisions of Schedule 7 of the 1999 Constitution.
