State government, Dan Orbih, Aslem Ojezua React to Shaibu's Judgement
From Imafidon OSAZUA (Benin)
Embattled South-South Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dan Orbih, has congratulated Philip Shaibu on the judgement, urging him to use the remaining days as deputy governor to remove shame from Edo PDP.
Orbih in a statement, said: "I want to sincerely congratulate the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu over his landmark victory in the legal battle against his unlawful impeachment by some members of the Edo State House of Assembly.
"I am particularly delighted by this judgment being the one who led the campaign that brought you and Governor Godwin Obaseki to serve a second term as governor and deputy-Governor of the state in 2020. I was greatly pained to watch the unfortunate drama of your impeachment which was generally reported to have been stoked by some elements in the government of the state.
"It is an irony that the passion and priority that was given to the impeachment is especially lacking in the execution of the government policies and programmes for which I mounted the rostrum to promise the good people of Edo State that you and your principal will accomplish.
"As you return as governor of Edo State, I implore you to use your office to bring zeal to governance programmes and policies, to wit, so that we would not be totally left in shame as a party that failed in our promises to the good people of Edo State.
"You should please do this within the ambit of the constitution as the electef and judicially reaffirmed deputy governor of Edo State. In that wise, I appeal to all political actors in Edo State to let this judgment be the basis for a new and more fruitful relationship especially within our Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and all citizens of the state.
“I am glad you have been duly restated. Lessons learnt in this unfortunate drama will certainly deepen our democracy and enhance the observance of the rule of law. I pray you see out the remaining months of your tenure with a forgiving spirit and fear of God in all you do. Be tolerant but firm. Once again I congratulate you and I wish you well," he added.
A one-time ally of Governor Obaseki, who was also a former APC chairman, who crossed to the PDP with the governor, Aslem Ojezua, said the rule of law has prevailed.
Ojezua, who contested the PDP primary election, said: "I know this is how it would end and i am very happy about the fact that common sense and the rule of law has prevail in Edo State. I was surprised about the trump up charges against Shaibu, i condemned it and said it was a shame that this could happen in Edo. Today, the rule of law has prevailed.
'We can't rule Edo State like a banana republic or as if we are being teleguided by uncivilized people. There are rules that are meant to be obeyed but these people violate all the rules and Shaibu's impeachment was the height of irresponsibility and i hope that they accept this judgement in good fate.
"I will advise Mr. Governor to be mindful of the fact that he only has few days to go and should begin to reconcile with people. Shaibu is one of the people who worked with the governor but because he was insisting on his constitutional right, the governor said no, he would deny him the right.
"The governor who used to be a victim has now become the villain and I have never seen a governor in an election period, chasing people away instead of bringing in people to his fold.
However, in a statement by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, he said Marvellous Omobayo remains the deputy governor, adding that the state government has launched an appeal and also filed a stay of execution.
