Edo State Government has faulted and rejected the judgement of a Federal High Court, Abuja, reinstating Mr Philip Shaibu as the deputy governor of the state.
The government stressed that the present Deputy Governor, Mr Godwins Marvellous Omobayo, remains the Deputy Governor of the State pending the hearing and determination of an appeal against the judgement of the court of first instance.
The Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government specifically said that it has filed a stay of execution on the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified the impeachment of Shaibu as deputy governor.
Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, set aside the impeachment of Shaibu as Edo State’s deputy governor and ordered his reinstatement.
But Governor Godwin Obaseki declared that Mr Godwin Omobayo remains the deputy governor of the state.
Obaseki, who stated the position of the state government in a statement by Chris Nehikhare, said pending the hearing of the appeal of the judgment of the Federal High Court, the incumbent Deputy Governor, “His Excellency, Godwin Marvellous Omobayo, remains and continues to serve as the valid Deputy Governor of Edo State.”
The statement further said, “His Excellency, Godwin Marvellous Omobayo will continue to serve in this capacity, and will be recognised as such.”
Obaseki urged Edo residents to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses.
The statement added, “Following the Federal High Court, Abuja judgement that faulted the impeachment of the erstwhile deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, the Edo State Government has filed a stay of execution of the judgement.
“Pending the hearing of the appeal of the judgement, the incumbent Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Omobayo Marvellous Godwins remains and continues to serve as the valid Deputy Governor of Edo State.
“He will continue to serve in this capacity and would be recognized as such.”
Justice Omotoso, in his judgement held that Philip Shuaibu’s impeachment and subsequent removal from office violated the provisions of the law and therefore ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to restore his security details as deputy governor.