Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Former deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has rejected his impeachment.
Shaibu was impeached on Monday after members of the state House of Assembly adopted the report of a seven-member investigative panel.
The panel was set up by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Daniel Okungbowa, and was headed by Justice S. A. Omonuwa (rtd).
Shaibu was accused of “misconduct, perjury, and disclosure of government secrets.”
Following Shaibu’s impeachment, Governor Godwin Obaseki picked Omobayo Godwin as his deputy.
Omobayo has just been sworn in as the new deputy governor of the state.
Reacting to his impeachment in a video posted on his X account, Shaibu said the allegations levelled against him by the lawmakers were “trumped-up charges” and a smokescreen to conceal the real motive of those who wanted him out.
The former deputy governor said he was impeached because of his desire to contest the 2024 governorship election in the state.
“I denounce in the strongest terms the illegal impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly over trumped-up charges. This is not just an attack on me as an individual but on the democratic principles we hold dear.
“It is a dangerous descent into dictatorship and a threat to the foundation of our democracy. Let it be clear that this impeachment was hatched because of my ambition to contest the 2024 Edo State governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party. An ambition that is a legal right of all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is a sad reality that, in our political landscape, ambition is met with resistance, and those in power seek to silence opposition through illegitimate means. I have dedicated my life to serving the good people of Edo State with integrity and honesty,” he said.
Shaibu said the “injustice” meted on him will be fought with “every iota of strength” for the sake of the people of the state.
He added that he believes that the legal system will vindicate him, while calling on the people of the state to rise against the injustice.
