Two Incumbent Deputy Governors Reign In Edo, As Reinstated Shaibu Makes Fresh Appointments

By Ayodele Oni

Constitutional Crisis is imminent in Edo state as the reinstated Deputy Governor of the State, Philip Shaibu, announced his resumption of duty with appointment of some key aides to serve in his office.

The State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, had, while reacting to the judgement which returned Shaibu maintained that it would not stand.

Obaseki stated that “The present Deputy Governor, Mr Godwins Marvellous Omobayo remains the Deputy Governor of the State pending the hearing and determination of an appeal against the judgement of the Court of first instance.

“The Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government of Edo State specifically said that it has filed a stay of execution on the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja which nullified the impeachment of Philip Shaibu as deputy governor.

In a statement on Friday on the letter headed paper of the Edo state Deputy Governor’s office, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, approved the reappointment of several officials to key positions in his office. The appointments, which take immediate effect, are as follows:

“Hon. Kingsley Ehigiamusor has been reappointed as the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Deputy Governor. Comrade Musa Ebomhiana will continue to serve as the Chief Press Secretary, while Hon. Emmanuel Akhaba has been retained as the Senior Special Assistant.

“Additionally, Mustapha Lawal will continue in his role as the Senior Special Assistant (Omokpo), and Charles Olubayo has been reappointed as a Senior Special Assistant. Mathias Akhanemhe, Comrade Robinson Akhenoba, and Robert Ojele have been reappointed as Special Assistants.”

It added that: “This decision by the Deputy Governor underscores his commitment to maintaining a stable and experienced team to support him in his duties.

“The reappointment of these officials is seen as a testament to their competence and the confidence the Deputy Governor has in their abilities to contribute to the progress of Edo State.”

Heavy gunshots along the Airport road had heralded the return of Shuaibu to Benin city on Thursday accompanied by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Monday Okpebholo in the state

In the ensued melee, a policeman was confirmed dead with several others sustaining various degrees of gunshots wounds.