THE recently reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo state, Philip Shaibu has appointed a few aides to work in his office.
This followed his reinstatement by a federal high court in Abuja on Wednesday, July 17.
This was disclosed in a statement released by his media team on Saturday, July 20,
According to the statement, Shaibu appointed Musa Ebomhiana as chief press secretary (CPS) and reappointed Kingsley Ehigiamusoe as chief of staff (COS).
Shaibu also appointed seven other persons to serve in various capacities.
A Federal High Court in Abuja reinstated him three months after he was impeached by the state House of Assembly.
In his ruling, on Wednesday, July 17, the presiding judge, James Omotosho, said the impeachment was in gross violation of the Nigerian Constitution.
The judge held that the allegation on which the House of Assembly based the impeachment proceedings was untenable in law, adding that the impeachment was illegal and unconstitutional.
The court also mandated that his salaries and allowances be paid from April 2024 when he was impeached.
Besides, the judge directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to restore his security details.
Shaibu’s impeachment followed the adoption of the report of the seven-man investigative panel set up by the state’s Chief Judge, Daniel Okungbowa, to probe allegations of misconduct against him.
Of the 20 members present, 18 voted in favour of the impeachment, while one opposed it, cementing the resolution to impeach him.
Meanwhile, the Edo state government has criticised the appointments made by Shaibu and described his actions as ‘provocative’.
In a statement on Saturday released by the State’s commissioner for information and communication, Chris Nehikhare, the government stated that it had filed a stay of execution of the FHC judgment.
The state government urged the people of the state to ignore the appointments
“It is clear that the impeached deputy governor is hell-bent on creating chaos in the state, but the Edo State Government is resolved to put his antics in check and ensure that the state continues to run smoothly,” part of the statement reads.
According to the statement, Marvellous Omobayo who was appointed by the governor of Edo, Godwin Obaseki on April 8, remains the deputy governor.
Nehikhare asked the public to ignore the ‘shenanigans‘ staged by Shaibu.
The government assured the citizens that it would maintain peace and order and charged them to go about their lawful businesses.
The ICIR reports that Shuaibu has had a prolonged battle with Obaseki. His interest in succeeding his principal worsened the feud.
A reporter with the ICIR
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