Edo Politics Heats Up as Philip Shaibu Resumes Duty

Shaibu Inspects Projects as Reinstated Edo Deputy Governor

“I have since resumed my duties following my reinstatement. The issue of reinstatement should be a thing of the past...”

Edo State Government assures citizens of safety, urges continuation of daily activities amidst ongoing political developments.

Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, made good on his promise to resume official duties on Monday, September 30, despite Governor Godwin Obaseki's opposition. This move follows the Federal High Court's July 17 ruling, which nullified Shaibu's impeachment and mandated his reinstatement.

Shaibu's return to office marks a significant development in the ongoing political tensions between him and Governor Obaseki. The two were once allies, but their relationship soured when Shaibu expressed interest in succeeding Obaseki in 2024. This led to Shaibu's impeachment in April 2024, which was later overturned by the court.

Upon resuming duty, Shaibu inspected various projects across the state, signaling his commitment to governance despite the challenges. His determination to continue serving as Deputy Governor underscores the complexities of Edo State's politics. With Shaibu back in office, the dynamics between him and Governor Obaseki are likely to remain contentious, shaping the state's political landscape in the coming months.

“Work is about 80 percent completed at MOWAA. It's fine, but I have my reservations because the Central Hospital should have been on that land,” Shaibu said.

“I have since resumed my duties following my reinstatement. The issue of reinstatement should be a thing of the past. I don't think we should keep discussing it. Judgement has been given, and we should move forward.

“The issue is whether I can work with Obaseki. Can I work with him? Yes, I can, but he cannot work with me. The Office of the Deputy Governor is not subordinate to Obaseki. It's an office created by the Constitution.

“Until the distinction between the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Deputy Governor, as well as the constitutionality of the latter, is understood, there will continue to be issues. I am a Deputy Governor, and my role is clearly defined. There was never a time I ceased to be the Deputy Governor. It's an elective post, not an appointment.

“I have two Certificates of Return. I will be touring the state over the next two weeks, starting with Edo South, then Central, and finally North, to check what we have accomplished. A new sheriff is in town, and we must ensure a proper handover. That's where we are. I am doing my work as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.”

Reinstated Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has resumed office, conducting inspections of various projects in Benin City despite Governor Godwin Obaseki's opposition. Shaibu's tour included stops at the Radisson Blu Hotel, the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), Sapele Road, and other roadworks. Notably, he praised the progress of MOWAA, stating it's 80% complete, but suggested the Central Hospital would have been a better fit for the land.

In response to Shaibu's actions, Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser on Media Projects to the Governor, issued a statement urging Shaibu to avoid disrupting governance and adhere to the rule of law. This development highlights the ongoing tensions between Shaibu and Obaseki, who were once allies but have since become political adversaries.

Inspected Projects:

Radisson Blu Hotel: A key infrastructure project in Benin City

Museum of West African Art (MOWAA): A cultural hub showcasing the region's artistic heritage, expected to contribute to economic growth and development

Sapele Road: A vital roadworks project aimed at improving transportation in the state capital

Other roadworks: Various initiatives to enhance Benin City's infrastructure

Shaibu's resumption of duty and inspection tour demonstrate his commitment to governance, despite the challenges. However, the situation remains contentious, and the dynamics between Shaibu and Obaseki will likely continue to shape Edo State's politics.

“We should not respond to people in exile who issue press releases. We are here; we are homeboys here in Edo,” he added.

“Anyone who wants to issue a press release should come here instead of being in exile and releasing statements. We should ignore them.”

He addressed speculation about restoring the museum to its initial hospital designation, saying “I am not the governor-elect. The governor- elect will decide what to do with the museum when he assumes office as the Governor of Edo State. My role as Deputy Governor is to discharge my duties accordingly.

“I have come to inspect what is going on here at the museum. We visited other projects too. Administratively, there are issues that need to be sorted out. There are administrative issues at Radisson Blu that need to be addressed.

“In the next six weeks, we have to put things in proper perspective so that the next sheriff will know where we are. I am doing my work as Deputy Governor. I am on the ground, not in exile.”

The Edo State Government has issued a stern warning to Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, urging him to refrain from violating existing laws. This caution comes via a statement from Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser on Media Projects, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting legal authority.

It appears this development is part of the ongoing saga surrounding Shaibu's reinstatement. Despite the Federal High Court's ruling in his favor, the Edo State House of Assembly has appealed the judgment and filed a stay of execution pending appeal. Moreover, the court recently struck out motions challenging Shaibu's reinstatement, awarding costs against the state government and the House of Assembly.

Key Developments:

Edo State Government's Warning: Urging Shaibu to avoid disrupting governance and uphold the rule of law.

Court Rulings: Federal High Court reinstated Shaibu, while striking out motions against his reinstatement.

Assembly's Action: Edo State House of Assembly appealed the judgment and filed a stay of execution.

The situation remains contentious, with Shaibu resuming office despite opposition from Governor Godwin Obaseki. As the political landscape in Edo State continues to unfold, it's essential to monitor these developments.

He added, “Shaibu, just like any private citizen, can take a tour around the exceptional projects of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

“We warn, however, that both Philip Shaibu and the security agencies should not carry out actions that violate the laws and the constitution.

“Shaibu should be patient and wait for the Appeal Court to hear his matter; he needs to learn to subject himself to the authority of the law.”

The Edo State Government is reassuring citizens that it's business as usual, urging everyone to go about their daily activities without fear. They're committed to protecting lives and property, and will continue to enforce the law to ensure public safety.

In fact, the government has even set up emergency helplines - 112 and 739 - which are available 24/7 to report any incidents or threats to public safety. Governor Godwin Obaseki has emphasized that collaborating with security agencies is key to maintaining peace and order in the state.

So, citizens can rest easy knowing that their safety is a top priority, and that the government is working hard to prevent any disruptions to daily life.