From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Former deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has described his impeachment by the House of Assembly as injustice.
Shaibu who spoke as Godwin Marvellous Omobayo was sworn in by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Daniel Okungbowa to replace him, vowed to fight “this injustice” with every strength at his disposal for the sake of the people of Edo State and the future of democracy.
Omobayo, 38, who contested the Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) during the last general elections, was sworn in at the Festival Hall in Government House.
Governor Obaseki said the choice of the new deputy governor would provide the needed impetus to rally round all interests and persuasions within the State to work more closely together in realising our vision for a viable, strong and prosperous State that will be the envy of all.
“At 38 years old, the new deputy governor is a symbol of our undying belief in the power of our youth to transform our dear State, bringing vigour and renewed energy to the drive to place young people at the centre of our politics and developmental agenda. He is a man for this season.
“It is with profound respect and humility that I address you this morning on this auspicious occasion of the swearing in of Omobayo Marvellous as our new deputy governor, who will be working with me in these last few months of my administration as we make progress on our promise to finish strong for the benefit of our dear people.
“We have run a very interesting and eventful tenure since we took office in 2016 and gained your trust to continue on our mandate for another term in 2020, and at no point in this journey did I envisage that I will be having to work with two deputy governors before the end of my eight-year run in office. But as the Bible says in Proverb 16: 9: ‘You may make your plans, but it is God that directs your actions.’
“The legislative arm of government, in the past few weeks, carried out their constitutional role, providing checks and balances in our democracy, and today, we have arrived at this difficult but inevitable juncture.
“As there cannot be a vacuum in government, we have by consensus selected Omobayo Marvellous to take over the baton as the new deputy governor of our dear State.
“A thorough-bred young professional, his choice will provide the needed impetus to rally round all interests and persuasions within the State to work more closely together in realising our vision for a viable, strong and prosperous State that will be the envy of all.”
Omobayo promised to be loyal to his principal. “I am not the best youth to come out from Edo State, this could only have been God. I understand my job description which is to actually complement the work of the governor. We have a consummate administrator like Governor Obaseki. I have studied his developmental plan over the years very sincerely. I have also looked at the master plan of this administration and will surely support him to finish well. I admire his style of administration and am sure to build on the existing structure in the plan as an engineer.”
But the former deputy governor described his removal as not just an attack on him “as an individual but on the very democratic principle that we hold and it is a dangerous and threat to the foundation of our democracy.
“Let it be clear that this impeachment was hatched because of my ambition to contest the Edo State 2024 governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); an ambition that is a legal right to all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It’s a pity that in our political landscape and vision is met with resistance and those in power seize to silence our position through a legendary means. I have dedicated my life to serving the good people of Edo State with integrity and honesty.
“I have worked tirelessly to improve the life of our citizens, and have upheld the values of democracies and justice. And yet in return I am faced with business accusations and a blunted disregard for due process and rule of law.
“The allegations brought against me are nothing more than a full screen to conceal the true motive behind this impeachment. It’s a fragrant abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust that the people of Edo have placed in their elected officials.
“We refuse to stay inactive while our democratic institutions manipulate and exploit for personal gain. I call upon all well-meaning citizens of Edo State and indeed all Nigerians who believe in the principle of democracy and justice to stand with us in this moment of crisis. We cannot allow tyranny and operation to take roots in our society. We must resist the forces that seek to undermine our freedom and trouble upon our rights to the members of Edo State of Assembly who have chosen to forsake their own out of office. I say this – history will judge you for your betrayal of the people who elected you to represent their interests.
“But know this – you do not have the power to silent the voice of justice and truth. I call upon the judiciary and all relevant authorities to intervene and uphold the principles of justice and fairness. Let the truth prevail over lies. Let the rule of law triumph over lawlessness. I am confident that the legal system will vindicate me and expose the sham that has been orchestrated against me.
“I want to reaffirm my commitment to the people of Edo State to the values that bind us together as a collective. I will not be deterred or intimidated by those who seek to truncate the survival of our democracy.
“I will continue to fight for the right and freedom of all delights by extension Nigerians that suffer from exploitation. I will stand firm in my resolve to see justice done.
“As we stand united in the face of tyranny and oppression, I call on our supporters to remain calm and go about our lawful duties as good citizens and true democrats. Together we will overcome this dark chapter in our history and become much stronger and more resolute in pursuit of freedom and just society.”