Obaseki Says Shaibu Remains Impeached

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has reiterated that his deputy, Philip Shaibu, remains impeached, despite a recent court ruling. On Friday, Obaseki responded to a statement attributed to Shaibu, where he warned Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) against the possible looting of government properties by political appointees. Obaseki, through his media adviser Crusoe Osagie, urged Edo State workers to dismiss Shaibu’s directives, emphasizing that Shaibu has no authority to issue instructions as he remains impeached. The governor reaffirmed that Shaibu’s removal from office is still in effect, pending the court’s final decision, and that the deputy governor holds no power to interfere with the functioning of state employees. This comes after the Federal High Court in Abuja, in a July ruling, ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement, stating that due process was not followed during his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly. The state government and the House of Assembly’s attempt to challenge the court’s decision was dismissed, with costs awarded against them. Obaseki’s administration, however, continues to uphold Shaibu’s impeachment while awaiting the court’s definitive ruling on the matter.

Security Personnel Surround Edo Govt House Over Shaibu’s Resumption

Nigeria security agencies have surrounded the Edo State Government House following reports that the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, would resume office today (Monday).   The security personnel include policemen, Department of State Services (DSS) officials and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), with many Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) to prevent the breakdown of law and order.   They prevented vehicles into Government House from the first gate with staff, journalists, visitors, and others politely asked to trek, leaving their cars behind.   This is as the Edo Deputy Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebomhiana Musa, in a statement, denied any plan to invade the Osadebe House.   Musa said Shaibu is a peace-loving man who firmly believes in the rule of law. He called on Obaseki to obey court order that affirmed Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.   “Our attention has been drawn to the effect that Edo State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu is making plans to invade the Government House on Monday, September 30, 2024, in a bid to enforce two different court judgements, ordering his reinstatement.   “We want to put it clearly here that, unlike Governor Godwin Obaseki, Philip Shaibu is a peace-loving man, who firmly believes in the rule of law and would not want to shed innocent blood, for whatever reason.   “As it is today, in eyes of the law and in the eyes of the good people of Edo State, indeed, Nigerians, Philip Shaibu is the de jure and de facto Deputy Governor of Edo State. We need not fight or struggle for that which God has given us.   “Obaseki and his co-travellers should accept the fact that the good people of Edo State have spoken, and his godson, Asue Ighodalo, has been roundly rejected at the governorship election of September 21, 2024. Sadly, this reality is yet to dawn on them.   “Crusoe Osagie (Special Adviser to Edo Governor on Media Projects), the purveyor of the fake news, is well known as an alarmist and propagandist who thrives on rumours and beer parlour gossips, with little or no respect for the ethics of our cherished profession, Journalism. So, he has to be ignored,” Musa said.  

Obaseki speaks on plans after leaving office 

Governor Godwin Obaseki says he wants to learn more, do research, and impart knowledge after his eighth year in office ends in Edo. Mr Obaseki stressed that after completing his second term in Osadebey House, he will not attempt to be a godfather. The incumbent Edo governor assumed power in 2016 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. In his second coming, he lost favour with his so-called godfather, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who, with the help of other party members, wrested the gubernatorial ticket from him, forcing Mr Obaseki to pitch his tent with the Peoples Democratic Party. Mr Obaseki won the subsequent election. When asked in an interview with THISDAY what was next for the Edo governor, who has some months left in office, Mr Obaseki said, “Obaseki is very fortunate and has every reason to thank God. If you look at Nigeria today, I am one of the few persons who have had solid private sector experience and have been in government.  “I have been in the APC and I have been in PDP. My role is to sit back and see how I can assist and help, nurture, let people know, share my experiences with them and support them. So, I see myself going back to school, research, teach and just impact knowledge.” Regarding entrenching leadership in Edo as a godfather, Mr Obaseki said, “There is no need to.” The governor added, “You always mentor people, but when you want to sit and begin to direct them, that’s where the problem is. I don’t like being directed, so why should I direct anybody? If I wanted to direct somebody,  “I would not get one of Nigeria’s most accomplished lawyers to come and run the state, make sacrifices, and step down from all his enviable professional engagements just to come and be directed in Edo state.”

Edo: Obaseki Supports My Governorship Bid, Says Philip Shaibu

Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu has revealed that his principal, Godwin Obaseki is proud of him and is in support of his Governorship Bid. NIGERIAN ANCHOR recalls that Shaibu, on Monday officially declared his intention to run for the gubernatorial election in 2024 In a press conference held in Benin, he expressed confidence in securing the PDP ticket, asserting his dedication as a committed party member. During a live appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Shaibu addressed assumptions about his candidacy, stating his firm belief in securing the party’s nomination. He highlighted the attempts to pressure him out of the PDP, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to service and his refusal to succumb to such tactics. Shaibu acknowledged Governor Godwin Obaseki’s support, affirming that he has diligently fulfilled every assignment given to him.  However, he candidly admitted that declaring his gubernatorial ambition was the only perceived misstep. Asserting his dedication to serving the people and his loyalty to the party, Shaibu emphasized his role as a team player, motivated not solely by personal gain but by the collective interests of the populace. “They tried to push me out of the PDP. They did everything. They even announced that I would be declaring a particular day. And the day they announced I would be declaring, I was actually with my family enjoying my vacation. “The Governor is proud of me…there’s no assignment I have been given that I haven’t done well. What I have done (wrong) is say that I want to be the state’s governor.”

Just In: Edo Deputy Gov, Philip Shaibu Declares Governorship Bid

Amid mounting speculations, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has formally announced his bid to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki as the Governor of Edo State in the upcoming 2024 election. In a televised address on Monday, Shaibu expressed his firm resolve, stating, “With great conviction and dedication, I declare my intention to contest for the office of Governor of Edo State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming 2024 election. Together, with your support, we can steer Edo State to unprecedented progress.” Shaibu outlined a comprehensive vision centered on five key pillars crucial for the advancement and prosperity of Edo State during his campaign. Following his announcement, Shaibu inaugurated his campaign headquarters in Benin City, the state capital, signaling the commencement of his gubernatorial campaign. Last week, the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation issued invitations, inviting dignitaries to witness Shaibu’s formal declaration to serve as the Chief Servant (Governor) of Edo State. Shaibu’s candidacy sets the stage for a potential political battle against Governor Obaseki, who is reportedly supporting an alternative candidate for the state’s leadership.  Recent months have witnessed escalating tensions between Shaibu and Obaseki, hinting at a fierce electoral contest in the run-up to the 2024 elections.

Agbebaku emerges Speaker of Edo 8th Assembly

Mr Blessing Agbebaku (PDP-Owan West), on Friday emerged as Speaker of the 8th Edo House of Assembly. Agbebaku was the Chief of Staff to the immediate past Speaker, Marcus Onobun He was elected by the lawmakers shortly after a letter of proclamation of the assembly by Governor Godwin Obaseki was read on the floor of the House by the Clerk, Mr Yahaya Omogbai, in Benin. Mrs Maria Edekor (PDP-Esan North East II) was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House. The 24 members-elect were also inaugurated into the 8th assembly. Speaking shortly after taking his oath of office, Agbebaku promised a unified Assembly that would move the state to greater heights through effective legislation. He thanked God for his protection and guidance throughout the electoral process and for his emergency as the speaker. He expressed gratitude to his colleagues for giving him the privilege and for believing in his capacity and competence to serve as speaker. “Choosing me to lead this assembly is a great honour and privilege bestowed upon me with a sense of responsibility and acceptance. “I will not take this position for granted. I will carry everyone along irrespective of their political affiliations. “I commend the 7th assembly for setting the template in legislative activities which has placed the assembly on the right track. “I assure all that we will put Edo people first as we perform our oversight functions and make the state great again,” he said. Agbebaku finally thanked Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, for leading the party in the right direction.