Impeached former deputy governor of Edo State Philip Shaibu has reacted to his removal from office by the state House of Assembly.
This comes as Godwin Marvellous Omobayo was sworn into office by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to replace him as the deputy governor.
Omobayo, 38, an engineer, who contested for the Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives on the platform of the Labour Party during the last general elections, was sworn in at the Festival Hall in Government House, shortly after the state House of Assembly concluded the impeachment of Shaibu.
Speaking at the event, Governor Godwin Obaseki said he was happy to swear in Marvellous Omodayo Godwins as his new deputy governor who will now work with him for the remaining months in his administration as governor of Edo State.
“We have had a very interesting and eventful tenure since 2016. With the 2020 governorship election, at no point I had ever envisaged that I would be working with two deputy governors till the end of my 8 year tenure as governor of the state”, he added.
Quoting proverb 16 vs 9- 20, Obaseki disclosed that the executive arm of government in the last two weeks had been carrying out its constitutional roles of providing checks and balances to our democracy but that based on the outcome of the panel set up by the chief judge of the state, the former deputy governor was impeached by the state house of assembly.
“In line with that, we have carefully selected Omodayo as our new deputy governor. The deputy governor is eventually the youngest in the country.
“As you can see, he is from Akoko-Edo Local Government which is the oldest local govt in the country. It was created in 1963.
“This is the first the area will be producing a deputy governor. This position promotes inclusiveness, fairness and equity in governance in the state”, he noted.
In his speech, Omobayo promised to be loyal to his principal.
But in a statement, the former deputy governor said “This is not just an attack on me as an individual but on the very democratic principle that we hold and it is a dangerous and 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’s sorry that our political landscape and vision are met with resistance and those in power seize to silence our position through a legendary means.
“I have dedicated my life to serving the good people of Edo State with integrity and honesty.
“I have worked tirelessly to improve the life of our citizens, and have upheld the values of democracies and justice. And yet in return, I am faced with business accusations and a blunted disregard for due process and the rule of law.
“The allegations brought against me are nothing more than a full screen to conceal the true motive behind this impeachment.
“It’s a flagrant abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust that the people of Edo have placed in their elected officials.
“We refused to stay inactive while our democratic institutions manipulate and exploit for personal gain”.
Shaibu promised to fight “this injustice with every strength at our disposal for the sake of the people of Edo State and the future of democracy.
“I call upon all well-meaning citizens of Edo State 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 and operation to take root in our society. We must resist the forces that seek to undermine our freedom and trouble our rights to the members of Edo State of Assembly who have chosen to forsake their own out of office. I say this – history will judge you 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. A 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.
“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 truncate the survival of our democracy.
“I will continue to fight for the right and freedom of all a delights by extension Nigerians that suffer operation. I will stand firm in my resolve to see justice done.
“As we stand united in the face of tyranny and oppression. I call on our supporters to remain calm and go about our lawful duties as good citizens and true democrats. Together we will overcome this dark chapter in our history and be much stronger and more resolute in pursuit of freedom and a just society.
“Thank you for the opportunity given to me thus far.”
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