By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has been told to take the path of honour and obey the subsisting court judgement reinstating his estranged deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu as the duly elected Deputy Governor of Edo State.
Shaibu made the call in a statement issued by his media team on Tuesday following the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss the application of stay of execution brought before it by the Edo State government and the Edo State House of Assembly against his reinstatement.
Describing the decision of the court presided over by Justice James Omotosho as a “resounding affirmation of the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice, protecting citizens’ rights, and defending democracy”, Shaibu said Obaseki must now honour this latest ruling.
“It is time to put the interests of Edo State above personal agendas and respect the rule of law. The court has consistently held that Comrade Shaibu’s impeachment was illegal, unconstitutional, and void, violating sections 188 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended),” Shaibu said.
24th September, 2024
Press Statement:
Re: Federal High Court, Abuja Reaffirms Reinstatement of Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu as Edo State Deputy Governor
We, the Hon. Philip Shaibu (HPS) Media Team, warmly welcome the landmark judgment delivered today by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, reaffirming the reinstatement of our principal, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, as the duly elected Deputy Governor of Edo State.
A Victory for Democracy and the Rule of Law
Today’s judgment is a resounding affirmation of the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice, protecting citizens’ rights, and defending democracy. Justice James Omotosho’s courageous decision to dismiss the application of stay of execution brought by Governor Godwin Obaseki and the state House of Assembly is a testament to the court’s independence and integrity.
A Call to Obey the Court Order
We urge Governor Obaseki to take the path of honour and obey this latest ruling. It is time to put the interests of Edo State above personal agendas and respect the rule of law. The court has consistently held that Comrade Shaibu’s impeachment was illegal, unconstitutional, and void, violating sections 188 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended).
Immediate Actions Required
Governor Obaseki must:
1. Obey the Court Order: Restore Comrade Shaibu’s salaries and allowances as Deputy Governor.
2. Respect the Office of the Deputy Governor: Refrain from attacking the institution and stopping Shaibu from performing his duties.
3. Pay the Awarded Fine: Promptly pay the N200,000 fine awarded against each appellant for wasting the court’s time.Commendation and Gratitude
We commend:
1. Justice James Omotosho for his courageous judgment.
2. The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for restoring Comrade Shaibu’s security details as directed by the court since July.
3. All lovers of democracy for standing tall with Comrade Shaibu.Conclusion
Today’s judgment is a victory for democracy, and we celebrate this triumph with Comrade Shaibu and the good people of Edo State. We remain committed to upholding the principles of justice, equity, and fairness.
Signed:
HPS MEDIA TEAM
#Ofonee
