Philip Shaibu has officially resumed his role as Deputy Governor of Edo State following a court ruling that nullified his removal earlier this year.
In July, Federal High Court Judge James Omotosho ruled that Shaibu’s impeachment was unlawful and politically motivated. The court ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement and directed the Inspector-General of Police to restore his security detail.Shaibu’s return to office comes after his removal by the Edo State House of Assembly on April 8, 2024.
Governor Godwin Obaseki subsequently appointed Omobayo Godwins as deputy governor. In response to Shaibu’s reinstatement, Godwins has declared himself the “authentic” deputy governor of Edo State.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, Shaibu expressed gratitude for his reinstatement, attributing it to “the divine grace of God and the steadfast prayer of all Nigerians.”
However, he also reported a troubling incident upon his return to Benin, the state capital. Shaibu claimed that an assassination attempt was made on his life, resulting in the death of a police officer assigned to Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the upcoming September election.
“I am deeply thankful for the support I have received and for the court’s decision to reinstate me,” Shaibu said. “However, the recent assassination attempt was a grave incident. Thankfully, the bullet missed me but tragically struck a police officer assigned to the APC governorship candidate.”
Shaibu also noted that he has yet to receive a response from Governor Obaseki regarding the reinstatement of his aides.
Despite this, he has instructed that workers in the deputy governor’s office resume their duties.
