Edo impeachment: ‘Judiciary will vindicate me’ – Shaibu

The former deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has called on the judiciary, well-meaning people of the state and Nigerians to stand with him in this moment of crisis.

Edo State House of Assembly impeached the deputy governor on Monday, April 8, 2024, in line with the reports of the seven-man panel set up by the chief judge of the state, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to investigate the allegations of misconduct and perjury levelled against him by the state lawmakers.

Sequel to the impeachment, Governor Godwin Obaseki immediately swore in Omobayo Marvellous Godwins as the new deputy governor of the state.

Reacting, Philip Shaibu, who described the impeachment as illegal, noted that he would not be deterred or intimidated by the development.

He, however, called on well-meaning Edo citizens and Nigerians who believe in the principles of democracy and justice to stand with them in this moment of crisis so as not to allow tyranny and oppression to prevail.

“Let it be clear that this impeachment was hatched because of my ambition to contest the Edo State 2024 governorship on the platform of PDP, an ambition that is a legal right of all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is a sad reality that in our political landscape, an ambition is met with resistance and those in power seem to silence oppositions through illegitimate means.

“I have dedicated my life to serving the good people of Edo State with integrity and honesty. I have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens in Edo State. I have upheld the values of democracy and justice, and yet, in return, I was faced with baseless accusations and blatant disregard for due process and the rules of law.

“The allegations brought against me are not more than a smokescreen to conceal the true motives behind this impeachment. It is a flagrant abuse of power and the betrayal of the trust that the people of Edo have placed in their elected officials,” he said.

Shaibu vowed to fight with every strength in his veins for the sake of the people of Edo State and the future of democracy in the country, avowing that he and his followers cannot allow tyranny and oppression to take root in society.

In his message to the Edo State House of Assembly, Shaibu said: “To the members of the State House of Assembly who have chosen to forsake their oaths of office and participate in this charade, I say this history will judge you harshly for your betrayal of the people who elected you to represent their interests. But know this: you do not have the power to silence the voice of justice and truth.”

He expressed confidence that the legal system would vindicate him and expose the sham that had been orchestrated against him.

The impeached deputy governor urged his followers to remain calm and go about their lawful duties as good citizens and true democrats, assuring that he has resolved to seek justice.