The Godwin Obaseki-led Government has accused impeached deputy governor, Philip Shaibu of impersonation for parading himself as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, charging the good people of Edo State and the general public to disregard such claims.
In a Statement made available to Truth Live News, the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare noted that the every dealings or correspondence carried out with instructions and organizations within and outside the state by the impeached deputy governor, Shaibu as the deputy governor of the state is illegal and a clear act of impersonation.
“It has come to the attention of the Edo State Government that the former Deputy Governor, Comr. Philip Shaibu, has been carrying out correspondence with different institutions and organisations both within and outside the State in a clear case of impersonation.
In the interest of the safety of these organizations, we want to restate that Shaibu is not the Deputy Governor of Edo State and every correspondence from him in that regard should be disregarded and considered a forgery,” the statement reads.
The commissioner charged all organizations and the general public to disregard every correspondence from the impeached deputy governor as a case of forgery citing that his purported reinstatement is still active for hearing in court.
“The issue of his purported reinstatement is still active in court and the next hearing for the two separate motions filed by the State Government and the Edo House of Assembly challenging the purported reinstatement by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court is fixed for 24 September, 2024.
The State through the Attorney General of Edo State and the Edo House of Assembly by their lawyers, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, and Ken Mozia, SAN, respectively, had in the motions sought an order for a stay of the execution of the purported reinstatement and an order suspending the judgment and restraining Shaibu from parading himself or attending any official function as deputy governor pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.”, he added.
Nehikhare stated that Mr. Omobayo Marvelous still remains the Deputy Governor of Edo State as any correspondence carried out in His office by an imposter is false and invalid. The commissioner further charged security agencies to hold Philip Shaibu responsible for any act of unrest that springs from his ignoble actions.
“Therefore, the status quo is that His Excellency, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, remains the deputy governor of Edo State and any correspondence carried out by any other person, including Philip Shaibu is an act of impersonation, and anyone who deals with him does so at his or her own risk.
Security agencies are, by this notice, 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 ignoble actions.”