Edo Govt warns against impersonation by Philip Shaibu

The Edo State Government has accused former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu of impersonating the current Deputy Governor, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins.

Shaibu is allegedly sending correspondence under the guise of the Deputy Governor, which the government warns should be disregarded as fraudulent.

In a statement issued by Chris Osa Nehikhare, Hon. Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, the matter of Shaibu’s purported reinstatement as Deputy Governor is still under legal review, with the next court hearing set for September 24, 2024.

“The government has filed motions to stay the execution of the reinstatement order and to prevent Shaibu from performing any official duties. Security agencies have been alerted to potential risks, and anyone dealing with Shaibu does so at their own peril.

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“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.