BENIN CITY — The State Executive Council of Edo State government convened its regular weekly meeting where it strongly criticized the recent legal action initiated by the deputy governor of the state, Mr. Philip Shaibu. The deputy governor had filed a lawsuit to prevent his alleged impeachment.
In the suit, Shaibu is seeking a court injunction to halt the purported impeachment proceedings against him. The hearing for this matter is scheduled to take place today at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Addressing the issue during a press briefing after the meeting, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, along with the Special Adviser on Media Projects to Governor Godwin Obaseki, Crusoe Osagie, emphasized that there would be consequences for the deputy governor’s actions.
Nehikhare stated, “The Executive Council unequivocally denounces the decision taken by our deputy governor to bring a legal case against the state governor, House of Assembly, and others concerning his impeachment claims. This matter was not in question before he initiated legal proceedings.”
He continued, “The Executive Council has expressed strong disapproval of this action and is disheartened by the way this situation has unfolded. We collectively share our disappointment with the ongoing events. It is important for the people of Edo to recognize that what we are witnessing is abnormal and unacceptable to us.”
He further added, “What our deputy governor has done is a breach of trust and a violation of the oath he took. He has disclosed confidential information that he was bound to protect, which is a betrayal of the trust he swore to uphold. As politicians, we always seek avenues to resolve such issues amicably, as our goal is to foster unity among politicians. However, his actions have breached that trust.”
Regarding the alleged locking out of Shaibu’s staff from their offices, Crusoe Osagie commented, “We should not allow individuals to manipulate the media to enhance their diminishing political standing. Their words are merely an attempt to gain attention and visibility.”
“Somebody just came out to say they drove Shaibu’s people from his office in Government House, but everybody has access to Government House, particularly you members of the media.
“Just go there and see whether they drove anybody away. They threw that nonsense at the people, so they will get reactions, that is cheap tactics and I don’t think we should allow such people use the media for such purposes.”
