The Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced strong criticism against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu’s decision to approach the court in the wake of alleged impeachment threats.
The move has sparked concerns within the party, with leaders from the Edo central senatorial district convening to discuss the unfolding situation.
In a legal suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Deputy Governor Shaibu listed several prominent figures as defendants, including the Inspector-General of Police, State Security Service, Governor Godwin Obaseki, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, and Chief Judge of Edo State.
The suit seeks to restrain the governor, speaker, and chief judge from initiating or endorsing any impeachment actions against Shaibu.
Following a meeting on Sunday in the Igueben Local Government Area of the state, party leaders released a communique expressing their dismay at the reported deterioration of the relationship between Governor Obaseki and Deputy Governor Shaibu.
The meeting was attended by notable figures such as Tony Aziegbemi, Edo PDP State Chairman; Tom Ikimi, former Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees (BOT); Clifford Odia, former Edo Central Senator; Sergius Ogun and Joe Edionwele, two former House of Representatives members, among others.
During the meeting, leaders from the Edo central senatorial district moved a vote of implicit confidence in Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The communique highlighted the progress being made in peace and reconciliation efforts to mend intra-party divisions, particularly in Esanland. However, the document pointed out the concerning downward trajectory of the relationship between Governor Obaseki and Deputy Governor Shaibu.
The statement read, “During the meeting, a vote of implicit confidence in the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, was moved by Chief Francis Ulinfun and seconded by Elder Johnny Abhulimen. The motion was unanimously passed by all the leaders in attendance on behalf of the Party in Esanland.
“The meeting noted with satisfaction the speedy and effective progress being made on the peace and reconciliation efforts to unite the contending forces within the Party, particularly in Esanland. However, the deteriorating relationship between our Governor, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki, and his Deputy Rt Hon Philip Shaibu, was noted with utmost dismay.
“The reason for this is our strong belief that the strongest consideration for making the choice is equity in addition to other factors related to competence and individual acceptability. From our interactions with our brothers from Edo South and Edo North, there is already a consensus that the next governor will emanate from Edo Central Senatorial District.
“Principally because it is on record that Edo Central has not legally produced a governor for our dear state since the inception of this democratic dispensation in 1999. Besides, we believe that the process of making such a choice can be achieved by the leadership of the party in a cordial and reasonable atmosphere rather than resorting to intimidation and blackmail.
“Moreover, we condemn in very strong terms, the act of resorting to court without exhausting the options provided in our party constitution for dispute settlement. In any case, the governor has confirmed that he has made no move to impeach his deputy and we believe him.
“We, therefore, urge the deputy governor to withdraw his suit forthwith and seek a political solution to the problem with his principal.”
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