Edo deputy governor withdraws ‘impeachment plot’ suit against Obaseki

Philip Shuaibu, deputy governor of Edo state, has withdrawn the suit he filed against Godwin Obaseki, governor of the state.

In the suit filed at a federal high court in Abuja, the inspector-general of police, state security service, governor of Edo, speaker of Edo state house of assembly, and chief judge of Edo state, were listed as first to fifth defendants, respectively.

Shaibu had asked the court to restrain the governor, the speaker of the state assembly, and the chief judge, from “initiating impeachment proceedings or sanctioning any impeachment” against him.

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, the deputy governor said due to intervention from “well-meaning citizens of Edo”, he has instructed his solicitors to withdraw the suit.

“Arising from the series of meetings held with me and also with Mr. Governor by well-meaning Edolites and indeed Nigerians including party leaders, traditional rulers, and my archbishop, His Grace Most Rev’d Dr. Augustine Akubeze, the Archbishop of Benin Archdiocese on the issues that led to my going to court on the above-named suit,” the statement reads.

“And with due respect to these eminent personalities and leaders whose persuasions and persons I cannot ignore, I, Rt. Hon. comrade Philip Shaibu have authorized and instructed my solicitors to withdraw the suit forthwith.

“I wish to sincerely thank and appreciate these well-meaning Nigerians, party leaders, traditional rulers, and my archbishop, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Akubeze for their kind words, advise and encouragement thus far in ensuring peace and unity in our dear state, Edo.

“I also wish to place on record my special thanks to Mr Governor, my boss and senior brother for this path of peace.”

There has been a cold war and widening chasm between the governor and his deputy for some time now.

In August, Obaseki accused Shaibu of orchestrating a plot to kick him out of office.

The governor also said Shaibu had become so desperate to succeed him.

But Shaibu dismissed the claims which he said were whipped up by mischief makers to create the rift.

He said he remains “an unrepentant democrat, who believes in the democratic process and respects the mandate given to Obaseki and his humble self by the people of Edo State”.

Shaibu added that as deputy governor, he has continually supported and complemented Obaseki’s agenda, rather than worked against him.