THE former deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, while rejecting his impeachment, April 8, by members of the state House of Assembly, following its adoption of the report of a seven-member investigative panel, set up by the Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has alleged that he was removed over his ambition to contest this year’s governorship election, against the wish of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Recall that Shaibu was accused of misconduct, perjury and disclosure of government secrets and found guilty of the the last allegation by the
Justice S. A. Omonuwa (rtd) panel and subsequently impeached.
But speaking in a video posted on his X handle, Shaibu said the allegations levelled against him by the lawmakers were “trumped-up charges” and a smokescreen to conceal the real motive of those that wanted him out, insisting he was removed because of his desire to contest the governorship election.
He stated: “I denounce in the strongest terms, the illegal impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly over trumped-up charges. This is not just an attack on me as an individual, but on the democratic principles we hold dear.
“It is a dangerous descent into dictatorship and a threat to the foundation of our democracy. Let it be clear that this impeachment was hatched because of my ambition to contest the 2024 Edo state governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), an ambition that is a legal right of all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is a sad reality that in our political landscape, ambition is met with resistance and those in power seek to silence opposition through illegitimate means. I have dedicated my life to serving the good people of Edo state with integrity and honesty.”
He stated that the “injustice” served him would be fought with “every iota of strength” for the sake of the people of the state, saying he believes the legal system would vindicate him, even as he called on the people of the state to rise against the injustice.
