Olusegun Olanrewaju
Alluding to his impeachment as an ‘illegal process’ which he has vowed to seriously challenge, a new deputy governor was yesterday called out and sworn in in Edo State to replace Philip Shaibu in the ‘Heartbeat’ state.
Barely hours after the announcement of Shaibu’s sack in Benin City, the Edo State capital, a 38-year-old engineer, Akoko Edo-born, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, said on his assumption of power that it was a ‘Day of the Lord: A day I will never forget.’
The impeachment of Shaibu yesterday followed the adoption of the report of the seven-man investigative panel set up by the Assembly to probe allegations of misconduct against him.
Shaibu’s counsel, Oladoyin Awoyale, attended the inaugural sitting but excused himself in the middle of the hearing after the panel refused his prayer to suspend the proceedings pending the outcome of a suit filed in Abuja by his client challenging the impeachment move against him.
Omonuwa upheld the opposition to the suspension prayer by the Assembly, represented by its Deputy Clerk, Joe Ohiafi.
After Awoyale excused himself, Ohiafi went on to state the Assembly’s case against Shaibu.
In his submission, the Deputy Clerk told the panel that Shaibu leaked the state government’s secrets in the affidavit he filed in support of his suit in Abuja.
He said Shaibu tendered documents relating to the State Executive Council’s meeting.
According to Ohiafi, Shaibu violated the Oath of Secrecy he took and acted contrary to the provisions of Schedule 7 of the 1999 Constitution.
*Ex-deputy gov vows to fight on in an emotional farewell broadcast
Reacting to his impeachment, Shaibu, in a broadcast shared on his official X handle, vowed to seek redress.
His words, “We will fight this injustice with every strength in us for the sake of Edo State and the future of Democracy. I denounce in the strongest terms the illegal impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.
”This is not just an attack on me as an individual but on our very democratic principles. It is a threat to the foundation of our democracy. Let it be clear that this impeachment came because of my ambition to contest the 2023 Edo State 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 is a sad reality that those in power seem to silence opposition through illegitimate means. I have dedicated my love to serving the good people of Edo State with integrity and honesty.”
In addition, the sacked deputy governor alleged that the members of the state Assembly had “chosen to forsake their oath of office and participated” in his impeachment.
He said, “History will judge you harshly for your betrayal of people who elected you to represent them. It is a sad reality that in our political landscape ambition is met with resistance and those in power seek to silence opposition through illegitimate 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 lives of our citizens, I have upheld the values of democracy and justice, yet in return I am faced with baseless accusations and a blank disregard for due process and rule of law.
“The allegations brought against me are nothing more than a smokescreen to conceal the true motive behind this impeachment. It’s a fragrant abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust that the people of Edo have placed in their elected officials.
“We refuse to stay inactive while our democratic institutions manipulate and exploit for personal gain. We will fight this injustice with every strength in our veins 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 trample upon our rights.
”To the members of Edo State of Assembly who have chosen to forsake their oath of office and participate in this charade, I say this- history will judge harshly 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. I 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.”
*38-year-old Omobayo takes over
As the drama surrounding the impeachment saga that peaked last week wore on, the new deputy helmsman, Omobayo, delivered a moved speech darted at ”accepting the benevolent offer of deputy governor of Edo State” at his swearing-in at the Festival Hall of the Government House.
“l have just taken this as my legal acceptance speech,” Omobayo stated, adding, “It defines the legal limits that l can, or cannot exceed while in office.
“Beyond this legal ceremony, it is imperative that l publicly express my profound gratitude to our respected Executive Governor, His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and the leadership of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party.”
Full of praise for Obaseki, the deputy governor added, “After all the very painful and thought-provoking distractions of the past few months, our governor is determined to finish his second term very strongly.
“From his dialogue with me, it is clear that he is very determined to bequeath a legacy of peace, unity, progress, and visible development to Edo State. A legacy that the next PDP regime will find exciting to proudly build upon and maintain the leadership position Edo has achieved over time in the comity of states in Nigeria.
“In the few critical months left to tidy up the work of this administration, my job as deputy governor is clearly and well cut out. I understand it very clearly. In line with the oath of office to which I have just subscribed, l make a solemn pledge to do all in my power, with God’s guidance, to live up to expectations. I will give all it takes to meet the expectations of my principal, the party, and above all, the good people of Edo State.”
Expressing his surprise at the choice, Omobayo sent a poser, ”Why me? This was the million naira question l asked His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki when he gave me the surprise invitation for a dialogue about this job a couple of days ago.
“His answer was simple and direct: “God!” I looked through my history books and discovered that Akoko Edo has never served in this capacity.
“I talked to a few key leaders from Akoko Edo, across party lines, and all fingers pointed at you. The ultimate decision, however, came from God, and I couldn’t say no.” These were the words of His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, my namesake. A tale of two Godwins, you may say.
“Even though I was dumbfounded, l also couldn’t say no for several reasons. First, my people of Akoko Edo would never have forgiven me if l had messed up the only chance God, history, and ripe time has given them since creation.
“Second, my mind went straight to the book of Romans in the Bible. In chapter 9, verses 15 & 16, God said to Moses, “l will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. So, it is God who decides to show mercy and uplift one. We can neither choose it nor work for it.
“I also recall Psalm 75, verses 6 & 7, which says, “For promotion cometh neither from the East, nor from the West, nor the South. But the Lord is the Judge, who transfers or reshuffles one and elevates another.”
He went further, “For my people in Akoko Edo, it has been joy and excitement. Since colonial times, when the local government Area was created, no administration has bothered to tempt Akoko Edo with the position of deputy governor, even for one day.
“Akoko Edo has not produced a state governor, no federal minister, or other high-ranking government officers, except for the constitutionally mandatory ones. Etsako has ruled the state as governor. It has also been lucky to produce some military governors vice-military heads of state and several ministers.
”Etsako has additionally produced two Deputy Governors of this state. Owan too has produced a Deputy Governor, and some House of Assembly Speakers, among other highly placed government functionaries. This history is important to explain why my people are very excited about this appointment, even though it is for only a few months.”
*CRPP says impeachment illegal
Meanwhile, reactions have been trailing Shaibu’s impeachment and the fallout therefrom.
The chairman of the Conference of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), Edo State chapter, Samson Isibor, expressed disappointment over the impeachment of the erstwhile deputy governor, noting that the development was not what Edo people bargained for.
Isibor blamed the Chief Judge (CJ) of the state, Daniel Okungbowa, for setting up the panel that investigated the allegation against Shaibu, adding that the haste at which the exercise was carried out showed bias against the former deputy governor.
He said, “This is not what the Edo indigenes bargained for. The impeachment of the deputy governor is illegal and should not be allowed to stay.
“I blame the chief judge for this illegal impeachment. The process only lasted for three days, which showed that they had their mind made up on what to do. Imagine, the charade that was carried out in a few days.”
On why the former embattled deputy governor failed to appear before the investigative panel, Isibor said, “If he appeared at the panel, it showed he agreed with what they were doing.
”More so, when the court has told the parties involved to come and show cause why Shaibu’s quest to halt his impeachment should not be granted.”
*IPAC: This is PDP affairs
On its part, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) described the whole affair as an ‘internal matter’ of the party ruling in the state, the PDP.
Reacting to the impeachment of Shaibu, the state chairman of IPAC, Greg Igbinomwahia, said, “I see it as an internal affair of the PDP, and I think that is their problem.
“My opinion whether it was morally right or wrong doesn’t make any difference, so, if the party has an internal crisis and conflict, and this is what the outcome becomes, it is good for them. It is their problem.”
Eid el Fitr: Pray for peace, unity in Nigeria, Akpabio urges Muslims
By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated Muslims in Nigeria for the successful end of 30 days Ramadan fast.
He also wished them Eid Mubarak as they celebrated the feast of Eid El Fitri.
Akpabio’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh.
He said, “On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, and indeed the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I heartily rejoice with all the Muslims in Nigeria as they join their counterparts in other parts of the world to celebrate Eid El Fitr.
“I wish all of you a peaceful and sweet celebration and pray the Almighty God to grant your heart desires”.
The Senate President urged Muslims to continue to offer prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria saying, “Islam is a religion of peace and if its adherents go to God in prayer with sincerity, He will surely answer.
He said, “I therefore ask you to pray for your leaders and the peace and unity of our dear country. I believe with your prayers, Nigeria will overcome its current challenges.
“Wherever you find yourselves, radiate the peace that Islam preaches and the love and care for the less privileged that Prophet Muhammad exemplified.”
