Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has officially resumed office.
Shaibu’s resumption of office comes after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, nullified his removal as deputy governor.
Justice Omotosho held that Shaibu’s impeachment violated the provisions of the law.
The court declared that the removal which took place on April 8, 2024, by the Edo State House of Assembly, was “politically motivated”.
The judge ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement and directed the Inspector-General of Police to restore his security detail.
After Shaibu was removed, Godwin Obaseki, governor of the state, picked Omobayo Godwins as his deputy.
Reacting to Shaibu’s reinstatement, Godwins said he remains the “authentic” deputy governor of Edo state.
In a video on X on Monday, Shaibu said his reinstatement is a “testament to the divine grace of God and the steadfast prayer of all Nigerians”.
Shaibu claimed an assassination attempt was made on his life when he returned to Benin, the state capital, after he was reinstated.
Shaibu added that he has not received any response from Obaseki on the reinstatement of his aides.
“My reinstatement as deputy governor of Edo state is testament to the divine grace of God and the steadfast prayer of all Nigerians,” Shaibu said.
“In recent weeks, the federal high court in Abuja reinstated me as the deputy governor of Edo, acknowledging the illegality of the impeachment.
“Upon my arrival in Benin, a tragic event occurred as an assassination attempt was made on my life.
“Thankfully, the bullet missed its mark, unfortunately, hit an armed policeman assigned to the APC governorship candidate for the upcoming September election.
“Following my return to office, I have formally requested the governor’s approval for the reinstatement of aides. However, I have yet to receive a response from him.”
