The Edo State government has affirmed that Omobayo Godwins will continue to serve as the rightful deputy governor despite the ongoing legal challenges surrounding the impeachment of Philip Shaibu. Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, stated that the state has filed for a stay of execution on the judgment and urged everyone to remain calm and carry on with their lawful activities.
“In response to the Federal High Court, Abuja’s ruling against Philip Shaibu’s impeachment, the Edo State government has filed a stay of execution,” Nehikhare clarified. “Pending the appeal of this judgment, Omobayo Godwins remains the valid deputy governor of Edo State and will continue to fulfill his duties in that capacity.”
Nehikhare also emphasized the government’s call for peace: “We urge the people of Edo State to stay calm and continue with their normal activities.”
On the other hand, Chief Dan Orbih, National Vice Chairman, South South of PDP, expressed his satisfaction with the court’s decision, highlighting his role in supporting Shaibu and Governor Obaseki’s reelection in 2020. “I want to congratulate Phillip Shaibu on his significant legal victory against the unjust impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly,” he said.
Orbih appealed to all political stakeholders in the state to use the judgment as an opportunity to foster better relationships, particularly within the PDP and among the state’s residents.
Anslem Ojezua, a former governorship aspirant of the party, hailed the judgment as a triumph of common sense and the rule of law. “Today’s ruling upholds those who believe in the rule of law,” he remarked. “We cannot govern Edo State like a dictatorship. Rules exist and must be respected. The House of Assembly violated these rules with baseless accusations.”
He advised Governor Obaseki to initiate reconciliation efforts within the party and with the populace.
Musa Ebomhiana, Press Secretary to Shaibu, described the court’s decision as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. “This is a triumph for democracy and the legal system,” he asserted. “The judiciary stands as the defender of the ordinary citizen. This ruling serves as a reminder to those who think they can wield unchecked power over others. Let those who have ears, listen.”
Ebomhiana criticized the statement made by Commissioner Chris Nehikhare as disrespectful to the judiciary. “It shows arrogance from the Edo State Government to insist that nothing has changed and Omobayo remains as Deputy Governor,” he stated firmly. “Nehikhare and his associates must remember that power is transient, especially with less than four months left in office.”
These reactions followed the Federal High Court’s decision in Abuja to reinstate Shaibu, declaring his impeachment null and void due to significant violations of the constitution. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the impeachment process violated both Sections 188 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution.
Consequently, the court ordered the payment of all Shaibu’s salaries, allowances, and benefits from the date of his illegal impeachment on April 8 until the end of his tenure. It also issued a perpetual injunction preventing Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from obstructing Shaibu’s official duties and directed the Inspector General of Police to restore Shaibu’s security detail immediately.
The court criticized the reasons provided by the Edo Assembly for Shaibu’s impeachment, calling them weak and politically motivated. The Assembly had impeached Shaibu on April 8, 2024, based on findings from a seven-member investigative panel led by S.A. Omonua. The panel had accused Shaibu of perjury and leaking government secrets, despite Shaibu’s non-appearance during the probe.
Shaibu was impeached by 18 out of 19 Assembly members present, with one abstaining. Following Shaibu’s impeachment, Governor Obaseki appointed Godwins as Deputy Governor to complete his second term, which ended on November 11.
Unsatisfied with the impeachment process, Shaibu challenged it in court, leading to Justice Omotoso’s ruling that reinstated him and deemed Godwins’ appointment illegal and unconstitutional.
The court’s decision highlighted procedural breaches in the impeachment process, emphasizing that Section 188(10) of the constitution does not stand alone but should be read in conjunction with preceding sections.
Referencing the Nigerian Supreme Court’s decision in Inakoju v. Adeleke (2007), the court reiterated its order for the Inspector General of Police to restore Shaibu’s security, underscoring the significance of upholding due process and constitutional rights in governance.
