THE Edo State Government has asked the reinstated Deputy Governor in the state, Philip Shaibu, to stop parading himself as deputy governor.
This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, on Monday, August 12.
The ICIR, earlier reported that Shaibu resumed office and instructed his staff to join him.
In a video broadcast on X on Monday, August 12, Shaibu stated that his action was in adherence to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
A Federal High Court in Abuja reinstated Shaibu as the deputy governor of Edo State three months after the state House of Assembly impeached him.
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.
While the government has appealed the judgment and filed for a stay of execution pending the determination of the appeal, the court has yet to rule on the appeal.
Reacting to the latest development in a statement, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation (Nehikhare) raised concerns that Shaibu had been parading himself as the Deputy Governor in communications with various institutions.
Nehikhare noted that Shaibu was no longer the Deputy Governor and that any such correspondence from him should be ignored.
He also emphasised that the issue of his reinstatement was still under legal review, with upcoming hearings scheduled.
“The issue of his purported reinstatement is still active in court, with the next hearing for the two separate motions filed by the State Government and the Edo House of Assembly challenging the purported reinstatement by Justice James Omotosho scheduled for 24 September 2024.
“The State, through the Attorney General of Edo State and the Edo House of Assembly, represented by their lawyers, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, and Ken Mozia, SAN, respectively, has sought an order for a stay of execution of the purported reinstatement, an order suspending the judgement, and a restraining order preventing Shaibu from presenting himself or attending any official function as deputy governor pending the hearing and determination of the appeal,” he said
The government also warned that any dealings with Shaibu should be considered risky, as his actions could lead to security breaches.
“Therefore, the status quo remains that His Excellency, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, is the deputy governor of Edo State. Any correspondence carried out by any other person, including Philip Shaibu, constitutes impersonation, and anyone dealing with him does so at their own risk.
“Security agencies are hereby alerted to the potential breach of peace and are urged to hold Philip Shaibu accountable for any security breaches in the state arising from his actions,” he added.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: [email protected]. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M