Lawmakers in Edo state have expressed their disapproval of the deputy governor, Shaibu, for taking his grievances to court. One principal officer stated, “The deputy governor going to court is, on its own, impeachable.”
Further elaborating, he pointed out, “The court documents are purely speculative and a breach of the oath of secrecy he swore to during his inauguration. There is no such plan at all. It was shocking when we received the court papers. The content alone could be grounds for impeachment, but there is nothing of the sort happening.”
In response to the mounting tension, Shaibu’s camp has decided to maintain silence to avoid further escalating the crisis. A close ally of the deputy governor commented, “We don’t want to worsen the situation because it is delicate.”
Contrary to rumors that Shaibu fled the state, his aides confirmed that he has been in the United States of America attending the annual Afemai World Congress and is expected back on Sunday. However, concerns arise about possible repercussions upon his return, with one aide expressing apprehension that “they are going to lock his office.”
Despite a Federal High Court order to maintain the “Status Quo Ante Bellum” until a hearing on August 10th, there are fears that the state government may proceed against Shaibu this week unless there is a last-minute change of plans. This follows an earlier temporary order by Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court Abuja, which halted Governor Godwin Obaseki’s impeachment proceedings against Shaibu.
Shaibu had approached the court seeking an interlocutory injunction preventing the defendants, including the Inspector General of Police, State Security Service, and the Governor of Edo State, from initiating impeachment proceedings against him. He also requested that the court restrain Governor Obaseki or anyone acting on his behalf from hindering his ability to carry out his duties as deputy governor.
