The Edo State Government has accused Comrade Philip Shaibu of impersonating Marvellous Omobayo as the Deputy Governor of the state. This allegation was made in a statement released on Monday by the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, in Benin.
The state government claimed that Shaibu had been engaging in correspondence with various individuals and organizations, falsely claiming to be the Deputy Governor. Nehikhare urged the public to disregard any such correspondence from Shaibu, emphasizing that the issue of his reinstatement as Deputy Governor is still pending in court.
Shaibu, who was previously impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly, was reinstated on July 19 by a Federal High Court in Abuja. However, the state government contends that the reinstatement is not yet final, and until the appeals and legal processes are concluded, Shaibu should not be recognized as the Deputy Governor.
Nehikhare stated that Shaibu is currently not the Deputy Governor of Edo State, and any correspondence from him in that capacity should be disregarded and treated as a forgery. He also noted that the next hearing in the case is scheduled for September 24.
The commissioner highlighted that the state government and the Edo State House of Assembly have filed motions challenging Shaibu’s reinstatement by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court. These motions seek a stay of execution, the suspension of the judgment, and an order restraining Shaibu from presenting himself as the Deputy Governor.
“Security agencies are hereby alerted to the potential breach of peace and are urged to hold Philip Shaibu responsible for any security breach in the state arising from his actions,” Nehikhare stated.
The commissioner reaffirmed that Marvellous Omobayo remains the Deputy Governor of the state, and any actions or correspondence by Shaibu in that role should be considered an act of impersonation.
