By Kingston Magare
Impeached deputy governor of Edo State Philip Shaibu may be heading back to his seat of power as a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has nullified his removal from office.
Presiding judge Justice James Omotosho, said in his judgment that the Edo House of Assembly did not follow due process in Shaibu’s impeachment, he ordered that he should be reinstated into office and also that the Inspector General of Police provide him with the security needed for him to perform his duty as deputy governor. He also set aside the appointment of Omobayo Marvellous Godwins as replacement for Shaibu after the April 8, 2024, impeachment.
Mr. Shaibu, who was in court, broke down in tears following the judge’s pronouncements.
Meanwhile, the Edo State government has filed an appeal against the judgment. The State’s Commissioner for Orientation and Communication, Chris Nehikhare, said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Pending the hearing of the appeal of the judgement, the incumbent Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Omobayo Marvellous Godwins remains and continues to serve as the valid deputy Governor of Edo State.
“He will continue to serve in this capacity and would be recognized as such. The government hereby calls on the people of Edo State to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses.”
