Politics
Edo Govt accuses Philip Shaibu of impersonation, says he’s not deputy gov
The Edo State Government has accused Philip Shaibu, the former deputy governor of the state of impersonating the current deputy governor, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, and warned of a potential security breach.
This comes after a Federal High Court in Abuja reinstated Shaibu as the deputy governor on July 17, a decision that the Edo Assembly has appealed and filed for a stay of execution.
In a statement, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said, “It has come to our attention that Philip Shaibu has been corresponding with various institutions and organizations, both within and outside the state, impersonating the deputy governor.
“We want to reiterate that Shaibu is not the deputy governor, and any correspondence from him should be disregarded and considered a forgery.”
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The government emphasized that the issue of Shaibu’s reinstatement is still active in court and that the status quo remains that Omobayo Marvelous Godwins is the deputy governor.
The government has sought an order for a stay of execution of the reinstatement, an order suspending the judgement, and a restraining order preventing Shaibu from presenting himself or attending any official function as deputy governor.
Nehikhare warned that any correspondence or dealings with Shaibu could be considered a security breach and advised organizations to be cautious. He also urged security agencies to hold Philip Shaibu accountable for any security breaches arising from his actions.
The Edo Assembly has appealed the judgement and filed for a stay of its execution pending the determination of the appeal. The next hearing for the two separate motions filed by the State Government and the Edo House of Assembly challenging the purported reinstatement is scheduled for September 24, 2024.
In the meantime, the government has assured citizens that the current deputy governor, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, remains in office and is carrying out his duties as usual.
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