Musa Ebomhiana, the Chief Press Secretary to the reinstated Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has vehemently rejected accusations labeling Shaibu as an impostor. These claims, made by the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, have been described by Ebomhiana as an affront to the judiciary and an insult to the people of Edo State.
The controversy stems from Nehikhare’s comments following a video posted by Shaibu on X.com, where the commissioner accused Shaibu of impersonating the deputy governor’s role, despite a court order reinstating him. In a strongly-worded statement on Tuesday, Ebomhiana defended Shaibu, citing a valid court order from July 17, 2024, issued by Hon Justice James Omotosho of the FCT Federal High Court.
Ebomhiana emphasized that Shaibu was duly elected by the people of Edo State alongside Governor Godwin Obaseki in the 2020 governorship election. He criticized the appointment of Marvellous Omobayo as a political move by Obaseki, asserting that Omobayo has no legitimate claim to the deputy governor position.
He further condemned the Edo State Government’s disregard for the judiciary, accusing Governor Obaseki of exhibiting “executive lawlessness and rascality” and showing a pattern of disrespect for judicial rulings. Ebomhiana highlighted that despite the ongoing legal battle, both parties are required to comply with the court’s judgment until a final decision is made on the stay of execution.
The statement underscores the ongoing tensions within the Edo State Government and the deepening rift between Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, following the latter’s reinstatement after a controversial impeachment by the State House of Assembly in April 2024.
News Editor