Shaibu vows to restore dignity to deputy govs’ office amid impeachment

Philip Shaibu, the reinstated deputy governor of Edo State, asserted on Sunday that his ongoing fight against impeachment aims to restore the dignity of the deputy governor’s office, which he believes has been consistently undermined since the advent of democracy in 1999.

Shaibu made these remarks following a thanksgiving service held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Benin, the state capital, where he emphasized that his legal victory symbolizes a triumph for democracy itself.

“It is disheartening that some governors continue to treat their deputies with disdain, despite both being elected on the same ticket,” Shaibu lamented, stressing the need for legislative measures to protect the office of the deputy governor across Nigeria.

“My reinstatement by the court is a testament to divine intervention,” Shaibu declared, urging government action to investigate the recent killing of a police inspector during an incident involving the APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, at Benin Airport.

“My fight for reinstatement is not just for myself but for all deputy governors in the country,” Shaibu asserted. “I am determined to ensure that the sanctity and respect due to the office of the deputy governor are upheld in accordance with the constitution of Nigeria. What other deputy governors may shy away from challenging, I will confront head-on to ensure governors begin to accord due respect to this office.”

Read also: Reps threaten sanctions against oil firms over $60bn cash calls probe

Reflecting on his legal victory, Shaibu remarked passionately, “I challenged God to demonstrate His power in my life amidst those who oppose democracy and seek to use me as a scapegoat. I demanded swift justice, and by divine grace, the judgment arrived sooner than anticipated, reaffirming that democracy prevails.”

Shaibu also called upon the youth of Edo State to exercise their voting rights wisely in the upcoming election, urging them to reject “anti-democratic forces” at the ballot box.

“This election is pivotal for rooting out anti-democratic elements,” he emphasized. “Let us use our votes to effect change peacefully. I have consistently advocated against violence, even amidst the intimidation and harassment I have faced over the past year.”

Shaibu vowed to continue championing democracy and ensuring that the rights and dignity of every elected official, including deputy governors, are upheld without compromise.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now