Monday, August 12, 2024 - The Edo State Government has accused Philip Shaibu, the reinstated deputy governor of the state, of impersonation.
The State Commissioner for Communication and
Orientation, Chris Nehikhare accused Philip Shaibu of impersonating Godwin
Omobayo as the Deputy Governor of the state in a statement signed and made
available to newsmen on Monday in Benin City.
Recall that Justice James Omotosho of the
Federal High Court had on July 17, 2024, reinstated Philip Shaibu as the Deputy
governor of the state in a case against his impeachment by the State House of
Assembly.
The embattled Deputy governor was on March
18, 2024, impeached by the State House of Assembly over alleged disclosure of
government’s classified information to members of the public.
Shaibu had in an interview after the court
judgement, said he remained the authentic Deputy governor of the state.
He added that the judgment was declarative
which the state government was duty bound to adhere to and implement.
However, in the statement, Chris Nehikhare
noted that Shaibu’s purported reinstatement is currently before an Appeal
Court.
According to him, ”It has come to the
attention of the Edo State Government that the former Deputy Governor, Comr.
Philip Shaibu has been carrying out correspondence with different institutions
and organisations both within and outside the State in a clear case of
impersonation.
“In the interest of the safety of these
organizations, we want to restate that Shaibu is not the Deputy Governor of Edo
State and every correspondence from him in that regard should be disregarded
and considered a forgery.
“The issue of his purported reinstatement is
still active in court and 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 of the Federal High Court is fixed for
24 September 2024.
“The State through the Attorney General of
Edo State and the Edo House of Assembly by their lawyers, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN,
and Ken Mozia, SAN, respectively, had in the motions sought an order for a stay
of the execution of the purported reinstatement and an order suspending the
judgment and restraining Shaibu from parading himself or attending any official
function as deputy governor pending the hearing and determination of the
appeal.
“Therefore, the status quo is that His
Excellency, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, remains the deputy governor of Edo State
and any correspondence carried out by any other person, including Philip Shaibu
is an act of impersonation, and anyone who deals with him does so at his or her
own risk”, he said.
The commissioner, who said the Security
agencies have been alerted to the potential breach of peace, however, urged the
security agencies to hold Philip Shaibu responsible for any security breach in
the State arising from his alleged ignoble actions.
0 Comments