Edo: I will remain deputy governor till November – Philip Shaibu challenges Obaseki

Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, declared on Friday that he would retain his position until November 11, the date of the upcoming governorship election.

Following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja that reaffirmed his role, Shaibu announced his intention to return to his office immediately.

During an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Shaibu accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of withholding his salary for the past year despite his status as an elected official.

He emphasized his commitment to fulfilling his duties and maintaining peace, stating, “I am an elected deputy governor, and the court has confirmed this. Despite the governor’s refusal to pay me for a year, I will remain in office until November 11.

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“I will report to work this morning, and if they attempt to stop me, so be it. I will not incite any violence. The office of the deputy governor deserves its due respect.”

Shaibu’s reinstatement follows a Federal High Court ruling by Justice James Omotosho, which deemed his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly as illegal and unconstitutional, citing breaches of sections 188 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The court ordered Shaibu’s immediate restoration to his position, along with all owed salaries, allowances, and benefits from the date of his impeachment on April 8 until the end of his tenure.

In response to the court’s decision, the Edo State government has challenged the judgment and filed a stay of execution.