Politics
Obaseki, Shaibu Feud Deepens As Edo PDP Leaders Disown Dep Gov
The brewing impeachment crisis between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu continued on Monday as some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Edo North disowned Shaibu, alleging that he was deliberately stoking the crisis for his personal ambition.
This comes as the House of Assembly adjourned its sitting till next week Monday without any reason.
Addressing a press conference in Benin City, the PDP leaders from Edo North with former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Kabiru Adjoto leading members from Akoko-Edo; former Commissioner in the State and former Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Governor’s Office, Hon Jimoh Ejegbai leading members from Owan which comprises two local government areas; and former chairman of Etsako West Local Government Council, Hon Yesufu Omonemi leading those from Etsako which is made up of three local government areas, accused Shaibu of being responsible for the crisis between Obaseki and former Governor of the State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole that led to their leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the PDP.
Adjoto said “We have watched in utter disbelief the self-contrived rift between our Governor, Godwin Obaseki and our son, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu. Afemai people are a very hard-working, patriotic and loyal race.
“We recall that our two distinguished sons, His Excellency, Reverend Peter Obadan and His Excellency Mike Oghiadomhe have in the past been Deputy Governors in our dear State. They cooperated with their bosses and demonstrated the loyalty the Afemai race is known for. We are surprised and embarrassed by the behaviour of the current Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu in his ill-advised mission to govern the state by all means.
“Our dear Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has been most magnanimous more than any governor in Nigeria, and has saddled our son, the Deputy Governor with the highest number of responsibilities ranging from sport, internal revenue, boundary committee, and immunisation to mention but a few which has earned him the name “The Busiest Deputy Governor in Nigeria.”
On his part, Ijegbai said the 1999 Constitution as amended in Section 193(1) clearly states that, “the Governor of a State may in his discretion assign to the Deputy Governor or any Commissioner of the State responsibility for any business of the Government of the State, including the administration of any department of Government.”
Corroborating the two, Omonemi condemned the decision of Shiabu to approach the court without justification, adding that “We are coming out today to disassociate the Afemai people from this ill-conceived action, and to also apologize to the Governor of the State for this unfortunate incident.”
Reacting to the development, an ally of Shaibu and former Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Adaze Ewanta Esq. said Adjoto and many of those with him were part of the team stoking the crisis for their selfish interests.
He said “I really don’t know why he now chose to speak on behalf of the governor. In the last election, did Adjoto win his election and God forbid if that impeachment had gone through, he was one of those beneficiaries lurking around. They were the ones busy looking for people to get signatures to impeach the deputy governor. And I am happy that we are gradually seeing the people behind the plot but in actual fact, they should be making peace and not beating the drums of war.
“However, the matter is in court and we cannot now take the place of the judiciary. So we should allow the court to decide.”
At the resumed sitting of the House of Assembly, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Blessing Agbebaku only inaugurated three committees, stepped down every other issue in the order paper and adjourned sitting till Monday, August 14th to allow committees settle down to work.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.