Shaibu vows to restore dignity to deputy governor’s office amid impeachment

Philip Shaibu, the reinstated deputy governor of Edo state, asserted on Sunday that his ongoing fight against impeachment was aimed at restoring the dignity of the office of the deputy governor, which he said had been consistently undermined since the advent of democracy in 1999.

Shaibu made the remarks after a thanksgiving ceremony held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Benin, the state capital, where he stressed that his legal victory symbolized the victory of democracy itself.

“It is sad that some governors continue to treat their deputy governors with contempt, even though both were elected through the same channels,” Shaibu lamented, stressing the need for legislative action to protect the office of deputy governors across Nigeria.

“The restoration of my status by the court is evidence of God’s intervention,” Shaibu stated, urging the government to take action to investigate the recent killing of a police inspector during an incident involving the APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, at the Benin Airport.

“My fight for reinstatement is not just for myself but for all deputy governors in the country,” Shaibu said. “I am determined to ensure that the sanctity and respect due to the office of deputy governor is upheld in accordance with the Nigerian constitution. What other deputy governors may have avoided, I will confront head-on to ensure that governors begin to accord the office the respect it deserves.”

Read also: DPR threatens sanctions on oil and gas companies over $60 billion phone call probe

Reflecting on his legal victory, Shaibu said passionately, “I challenged God to show His power in my life amidst those who were against democracy and trying to use me as a scapegoat. I demanded swift justice, and by God’s grace, judgment came sooner than anticipated, reaffirming that democracy prevails.”

Shaibu also appealed to the youths of Edo State to exercise their franchise wisely in the upcoming elections, urging them to reject “anti-democratic forces” at the ballot box.

“This election is very important to eradicate anti-democratic elements,” he said. “Let us use our right to vote to make peaceful changes. I have consistently opposed violence, even amidst the intimidation and harassment I have faced over the past year.”

Shaibu vowed to continue fighting for democracy and ensure that the rights and dignity of every elected official, including the deputy governor, are upheld without compromise.

Shaibu vows to restore dignity to deputy governor’s office amid impeachment first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.