Edo govt accuses Philip Shaibu of impersonation, says he is not deputy governor

The Edo State government has accused Philip Shaibu, the state’s former deputy governor, of impersonating the current deputy governor, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, and warned of a potential security breach.

This comes after the Federal High Court in Abuja reinstated Shaibu as deputy governor on July 17, a decision that the Edo House of Assembly has appealed and sought a stay of execution.

In a statement, Commissioner for Communications and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said, “It has come to our attention that Philip Shaibu has been corresponding with various agencies and organisations, both within and outside the state, under the guise of being the deputy governor.

“We wish to reiterate that Shaibu is not the deputy governor, and any correspondence from him should be disregarded and treated as forgery.”

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The government stressed that the matter of Shaibu’s reinstatement was still active in court and the status quo remained that Omobayo Marvelous Godwins was the deputy governor.

The government has sought an order suspending the execution of the reinstatement, an order suspending the judgment and a restraining order preventing Shaibu from appearing or attending any official function as deputy governor.

Nehikhare warned that any correspondence or transaction with Shaibu could be considered a security breach and advised organizations to exercise caution. He also urged security agencies to hold Philip Shaibu accountable for any security breaches arising from his actions.

The Edo Assembly has appealed the ruling and applied for a stay of its implementation pending the decision of the appeal. The next hearing for two separate motions filed by the State Government and the Edo Assembly challenging the intended reinstatement is scheduled for September 24, 2024.

Meanwhile, the government has assured residents that the current deputy governor, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, remains in office and is carrying out his duties as usual.

Edo govt accuses Philip Shaibu of impersonation, says he is not deputy governor first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.