Immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has described his impeachment by the state House of Assembly as one that doesn’t fall within the tenets of law.
He was sacked yesterday following the recommendation by the seven-man investigative panel set up by the state Chief Judge to probe allegations of misconduct against him. The House of Assembly of the state, however, adopted the recommendation and proceeded with his dismissal.
Shuaibu had failed to appear before the panel headed by Justice S.A. Omonua after receiving invitations to defend allegations of lying under oath and leaking of government secrets leveled against him.
The erstwhile Deputy Governor wasn’t having any of it as he claimed the impeachment was due to his ambition to become the state governor.
He made this known via a video on his X handle hours after he was sacked from office.
“My good people of Edo State, I thank you all for standing by me in these troubling circumstances as the deputy governor of Edo State,” he said.
“It is with a heavy heart, yet a resolute spirit, that I come before you to address the recent events that are unfolding in our dear state. I denounce in the strongest term the illegal impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly over baseless charges.”
“This is not just an attack on me as an individual but on the democracy that we hold dear.
“It is a dangerous descend 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 Edo State 2024 governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. An ambition that is a legal right to all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is a sad reality that in our political landscape, ambition is met with resistance. Those in power seek to silence opposition through illegitimate means. I have devoted my life to serving the good people of Edo state with integrity and honesty. I have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens. I have upheld the values of democracy and justice and yet in return, I am faced with baseless accusations and a blatant disregard for due process and the rule of law,” he said.
He further clarified that the allegations levelled against him was a pre-planned move make the real motive behind his impeachment a secret to the public.
“The allegations brought against me are nothing more than a smokescreen to conceal the true motive behind this impeachment. It’s a flagrant abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust the people of Edo have placed in their elected officials.
“We refuse to stay inactive while our democratic institutions manipulate and exploit for personal gain. We will fight this injustice with every atom of strength in our veins for the sake of the people of Edo State and the future of democracy. I call upon all well-meaning citizens of Edo and indeed all Nigerians who believe in the principle of democracy and justice to stand with us in this moment of crisis.
“We cannot allow tyranny operation to take root in our society, we must resist the forces that seek to undermine our freedom and trample upon our rights.”
He didn’t fail to remind the judiciary of their duties in ensuring justice isn’t defeated, saying, “To the members of the Edo State House of Assembly who have chosen to forsake their oath of office and partake in this charade, I say this, history will judge harshly for your betrayal of the people who elected you to represent their interests. But know this, you do not have the power to silence the voice of justice and truth.
“I call upon the judiciary and all relevant authorities to intervene and uphold the principles of justice and fairness. Let the truth prevail over lies. Let the rule of law triumph over lawlessness. I am confident that the legal system will vindicate me and expose the sham that has been orchestrated against me.”
Speaking further, he claimed the impeachment won’t affect his morale in fighting for the rights of Nigerians.
“I want to reaffirm my commitment to the people of Edo State to the values that bind us together as a collective. I will not be deterred or intimidated by those who seek to subvert our democracy. I will continue to fight for the rights and freedoms of Edolites by extension Nigerians that suffer oppression. I will stand firm in my resolve to seek justice.
“As we stand united in the face of tyranny and oppression, I urge all to remain calm and go about our lawful duties as good citizens and true democrats. Together, we will overcome this chapter in our history and emerge stronger and more resolute in our pursuit of freedom and justice in our society,” he added.
Less than an hour after Shuaibu’s impeachment was confirmed, Omobayo Godwin was sworn-in as the new Deputy Governor of Edo State.
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