In a dramatic turn of events, Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, has firmly declared that all actions taken in his absence are “illegal, null, and void.”
Shaibu, who was reinstated by a Federal High Court ruling on July 17, made his position clear during a speech that signalled his return to office.
Shaibu’s Strong Warning to Banks and Institutions
Addressing the people of Edo State in a video seen by Arbiterz, Shaibu stressed that any business transactions or correspondences conducted with the Office of the Deputy Governor without his explicit approval are invalid.
He issued a stern warning to financial institutions and organisations, cautioning them against engaging in any dealings with the office unless sanctioned by him.
“What has been done in my absence remains illegal, null and void, and of no effect whatsoever,” Shaibu asserted. “I want to make it known that any bank conducting business with the Office of the Deputy Governor of Edo State without my explicit approval does so at its own risk.”
Despite the ongoing legal battles and the controversies surrounding his position, Shaibu reassured the public of his commitment to his role.
“I want to reassure my dear people of Edo State that I am back in my role as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, ready to perform my duties, fulfill my responsibilities, and deliver on the promises of democracy,” he declared, concluding his speech with a call for divine blessings on the state and the nation.
In adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, I announce my official resumption to office.
God Bless Edo State
God Bless Nigeria pic.twitter.com/vO3wdhJN4B— Philip Shaibu (@HonPhilipShaibu) August 12, 2024
Edo Government’s Rebuttal: Shaibu Accused of Impersonation
However, the Edo State Government has responded sharply to Shaibu’s declaration, accusing him of impersonation.
In a statement issued by Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, the government insisted that Shaibu is no longer the Deputy Governor and should cease presenting himself as such.
“It has come to the attention of the Edo State Government that the former Deputy Governor, Comr. Philip Shaibu, has been corresponding with various institutions and organisations both within and outside the state in a clear case of impersonation,” Nehikhare stated.
Also Read: Philip Shaibu’s reinstatement as Edo deputy governor victory for democracy — Lawyer Adesola Fagbemi
The government further warned organisations against engaging with Shaibu, describing any correspondence from him as forgery. “In the interest of these organisations’ safety, we want to reiterate that Shaibu is not the Deputy Governor of Edo State, and any correspondence from him in that regard should be disregarded and considered a forgery,” the statement read.
Ongoing Legal Dispute and Appeal
The controversy stems from a July 17 ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which reinstated Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. This ruling came after the Edo State House of Assembly had impeached Shaibu three months earlier.
Judge Omotosho declared the impeachment illegal and ordered the immediate restoration of Shaibu’s security details, as well as the payment of his salaries and allowances from the time of his removal.
However, the Edo State Assembly has since appealed the judgement and filed for a stay of execution. The next court hearing is scheduled for September 24, 2024, when the state government and the Edo Assembly will challenge the reinstatement order.
“The State, through the Attorney General of Edo State and the Edo House of Assembly, has sought an order for a stay of execution of the purported reinstatement, an order suspending the judgement, and a restraining order preventing Shaibu from presenting himself or attending any official function as deputy governor pending the hearing and determination of the appeal,” Nehikhare added.
Until the appeal is determined, the government maintains that Omobayo Marvellous Godwins remains the legitimate Deputy Governor of Edo State.
“The status quo remains that His Excellency, Omobayo Marvellous Godwins, is the deputy governor of Edo State. Any correspondence carried out by any other person, including Philip Shaibu, constitutes impersonation, and anyone dealing with him does so at their own risk,” Nehikhare warned.
Security Concerns and Potential Breach of Peace
The Edo State Government has also raised concerns about potential security breaches stemming from Shaibu’s actions. In the statement, the government alerted security agencies to the possibility of unrest and urged them to hold Shaibu accountable for any disruptions that may arise.
“Security agencies are hereby alerted to the potential breach of peace and are urged to hold Philip Shaibu accountable for any security breaches in the State arising from his actions,” the statement concluded.
As the legal and political drama unfolds, the people of Edo State and the nation at large await the resolution of this high-stakes conflict.
