The Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has alleged that his deputy, Mr Philip Shaibu is being haunted by his own demons by seeking a court order against his sack.
This followed a motion of notice brought before the a Federal Nigh court in Abuja by the Applicamt (Shaibu) sought an order of interlocutory injunction stopping the Defendants or their agents from harassing the him.
The Inspector-General of Police, Department of the State Security Service, the Governor of Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki, Speaker of Edo House of Assembly and the Chief Judge of Edo State, were listed as Defendants in the suit.
The applicant also asked the Court to stop the Defendants not to intimidate, embarrass or prevent him from carrying out the functions of his office as deputy Governor of Edo State including attending State Executive Council (SEC) meetings and other functions, pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Reacting to the development, the Governor through his Special Adviser on Media Projects, Mr Crusoe Osagie in a detailed analysis on the crisis, ruled out Shaibu as Obaseki’s successor on November 12, 2024, and called stakeholders to call Shaibu to order to temper his ambition with reason.
“Shaibu flees when no one pursues, but Obaseki remains unperturbed. No matter the controversy, Governor Obaseki will not abandon governance in pursuit of senseless politics.
“The resort to the courts at a time when there is practically nothing to be scared about gives Shaibu away as a man haunted by his own demons – if indeed he has the interest of the State at heart, he need not flee.
“Come to think of it, during the administration of Chief Lucky Igbinedion between 1999 and 2007, the Deputy Governor at the time was Chief Mike Oghiadomhe from Etsako; he did eight years. Then came Comrade Adams Oshiomhole from Etsako West as Governor; he did another eight years. This was followed by Comr. Philip Shaibu, from Etsako West as Deputy Governor; he is almost completing another eight years.
Continuing, Mr Osagie queried, “Does Shaibu therefore think that it is fair and equitable for him to become Edo’s next governor, particularly when he is from same Etsako West where the immediate past Governor, Comr. Oshiomhole is from? Are there no other competent hands from other ethnic groups? What happens to the people from Owan East and Owan West, Akoko-Edo and the Esans? Are they not part of Edo State?
“If these people are constantly disenfranchised by Edo South and Etsako people, would the consequences not be dire? Shaibu must be called to order to temper his ambition with reason.
“The rabble-rouser deputy governor has now taken his indiscipline and hubris to the zenith by trying to create crisis for his boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki because of his inordinate and self-serving ambition to succeed the governor by all means, no matter whose ox is gored.
“Like the biblical sinner who runs when no one pursues him, Shaibu has ran to the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking for a restraining order to stop Governor Obaseki from impeaching him – which is at best, a completely false allegation, according to the Governor’s aide.
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