Shaibu: Edo files stay of execution, insist Omobayo remains deputy governor

Following the Federal High Court, Abuja judgement that faulted the impeachment of the erstwhile deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, the Edo State Government has filed a stay of execution of the judgement.

Pending the hearing of the appeal of the judgement, the incumbent Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Omobayo Marvellous Godwins remains and continues to serve as the valid deputy Governor of Edo State.

In a statement signed by the state’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, Governor Gowin Obaseki calls on the people of Edo State to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses, noting that Omobayo would continue to serve in this capacity and would be recognized as such.

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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday reinstated the impeached Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr. Philip Shaibu back to office.

The court, in the judgment that was delivered by Justice James Omotosho, declared his purported impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly as illegal, unconstitutional, null, and void.

It held that the said impeachment was in gross violation of the provisions of both sections 188 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Aside from restoring him to office as the Deputy Governor, the court held that all his salaries, allowances, and benefits should be paid to him from April 8, when he was illegally impeached, until the expiration of his tenure.

The court issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from stopping Shaibu from performing the functions of his office.

It also ordered the Inspector General of Police to immediately restore all his security details.