Reinstated Edo Deputy Gov Shuaibu Announces Resumption Of Duty, Govt Says Action Amounts To Impersonation

By Ayodele Oni

Reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, on Monday, announced his resumption of duties and directed his personal staff to do the same.

He has also issued a warning to banks conducting transactions with his office without his explicit consent, and highlighted the illegality of such actions.

In a video address, Shaibu emphasized that those who have not returned to work since his reinstatement must do so immediately or face consequences.

Shuaibu had announced the appointment of some personal aides including Chief of Staff and media immediately after his victory at the court.

He clarified that the Federal High Court’s ruling on his reinstatement confirmed that his office has never been officially vacant.

Shaibu expressed his sorrow over the recent killing of a Police Officer assigned to the APC governorship candidate for the September 21 election, an incident that occurred shortly after his return to Edo State following the court judgment. He noted that some suspects have been apprehended in connection with the case

However, in a statement issued by Osa Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, the Edo State Government labeled Shaibu’s actions as a “clear case of impersonation.”

He said: “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.

“Security agencies are, by this notice, alerted to the potential breach of peace and are urged to hold Philip Shaibu responsible for any security breach in the State arising from his ignoble actions.”