Edo State deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, has said that his impeachment is because of his ambition to contest the 2024 governorship election in the state.
On Monday, 8 April 2024, Shaibu was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly.
Edo State governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State thereafter nominated Omobayo Marvellous Godwins as his deputy.
Omobayo Marvellous Godwins is from Akoko-Edo, in the Edo North Senatorial District of the State.
Shaibu’s impeachment followed the adoption of the report of the seven-man investigative panel set up by the House to investigate misconduct allegations against Shaibu.
During its plenary last Tuesday, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, informed the lawmakers that the seven-day ultimatum granted the deputy governor to respond to the impeachment notice had expired.
In a video posted on his X handle, Shaibu said he denounced the impeachment he termed as illegal by the Edo State House of Assembly over trump-up charges.
“This is not just an attack on me as an individual, but on the very democratic principle that we hold dear, it is a dangerous descent into dictatorship and a threat to the foundation of our democracy,” Shaibu said.
“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’s a sad reality in our political landscape ambition is met with resistance and those in power seek to silence opposition through illegitimate means.
“I have dedicated my life to serving the good people of Edo State with integrity and honesty.”
READ ALSO: AY confirms separation from wife of 16 years
He stated that he has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Edo citizens and uphold the values of democracy and justice but he is faced with accusations and blatant disregard for due process and rule of law.
“The allegations brought against me are nothing more than to conceal the true motive behind this impeachment. It’s abuse of power and a betrayal that the people of Edo have placed in their elected officials.”
He called Edo citizens and Nigerians who believe in the principles of democracy and justice to stand with them in the moment of crisis.
