Edo kicks as Shaibu appoints aides after court ordered reinstatement

Philip Shaibu has appointed a handful of aides following his reinstatement as deputy governor of Edo state by a federal high court in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Shaibu reappointed Kingsley Ehigiamusoe as chief of staff, and Musa Ebomhiana as chief press secretary.

Shaibu also appointed seven others to serve in various capacities.

On Wednesday, James Omotosho, presiding judge of the federal high court in Abuja, nullified the removal of Shaibu as deputy governor of Edo.

The judge held that Shaibu’s impeachment violated the provisions of the law.

The court declared that Shaibu’s ouster on April 8, 2024, by the Edo state house of assembly was politically motivated.

The judge ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement and directed the inspector-general of police to restore his security.

On April 8, Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, had announced Omobayo Godwins as his deputy, hours after the impeachment of Shaibu.

EDO GOVERNMENT KICKS 

The Edo state government has faulted the appointments, saying Shaibu’s action is “provocative”.

The government said it has filed a stay of execution of the judgment.

In a statement, Chris Nehikhare, Edo commissioner for information and communication, asked the public to disregard the appointments made by Shaibu.

“It is clear that the impeached deputy governor is hell-bent on creating chaos in the State, but the Edo State Government is resolved to put his antics in check and ensure that the state continues to run smoothly,” the statement reads.

“We restate that Marvellous Omobayo remains the Deputy Governor of Edo State and the public is enjoined to disregard the shenanigans orchestrated by Shaibu.

“The government, once again, calls on citizens to be rest assured that we will maintain peace and order as we charge them to go about their lawful businesses.”