…files for stay of execution, as Assembly appeals judgement upturning Shaibu’s impeachment
The Edo State Government has filed a stay of execution of the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja that faulted the impeachment of the erstwhile deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.
The state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, disclosed this in a statement of Wednesday, saying the incumbent Deputy Governor, Omobayo Marvellous Godwins, remains the valid deputy Governor of Edo State pending the hearing of the appeal of the judgement.
“Pending the hearing of the appeal of the judgement, the incumbent Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Omobayo Marvellous Godwins remains and continues to serve as the valid deputy Governor of Edo State,” Nehikhare said.
“He will continue to serve in this capacity and would be recognized as such.
“The government hereby calls on the people of Edo State to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses,” he said.
In a related development, the Edo State House of Assembly has also appealed the judgement which set aside the impeachment of the former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.
The State Assembly also filed a stay of execution on the judgement pending appeal.
The Edo State House of Assembly, had on Monday, April 8, 2024, impeached Philip Shaibu following the adoption of the report of the seven-man investigative panel set up by the State Chief Judge to probe allegations of misconduct against the former deputy governor.
The investigative panel set up the EDHA was headed by Justice S.A. Omonua (retd.) and probed Shaibu on allegations of perjury and leaking of government secrets, ending its sittings with the former deputy governor refusing to appear before it.
Shaibu was impeached by the vote of 18 out of 19 members of the Assembly present at plenary, while one abstained from the headcount and voting process.
Recall that the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, had upon the impeachment of Shaibu picked Omobayo Marvellous Godwins as his deputy to complete his second tenure in office, which lapses on November 11, 2024.
