Rita Odafe
The Chief Press Secretary for the reinstated Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, Musa Ebomhiana, criticized Chris Nehikhare, the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, for branding Shaibu as an impersonator.
On Tuesday, Ebomhiana rebuked Nehikhare’s statement, stating that labeling Shaibu as an impostor is disrespectful to the judiciary.
In response to Shaibu’s video on X.com asserting his return as the deputy governor following a court reinstatement, Nehikhare had referred to him as an impostor.
However, in a released statement, Ebomhiana challenged Nehikhare’s assertion.
He expressed,
“Chris Nehikhare’s description of Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, as an impostor is a direct insult to the judiciary and a violation of a valid court order issued on July 17, 2024, by Hon Justice James Omotosho of the FCT Federal High Court.”
Furthermore, he added, “It is disrespectful to the people of Edo State who decisively supported the Godwin Obaseki/Philip Shaibu joint ticket in the 2020 governorship election. The Edo populace did not choose Marvellous Omobayo as their deputy governor. Legally, Omobayo is merely a political appointee of Governor Godwin Obaseki who imposed him on the state.”
“Nehikhare should acknowledge that Omobayo, who was not elected, is the actual impostor and should refrain from presenting himself as Edo State Deputy Governor. The judiciary has repeatedly emphasized that filing a stay of execution does not invalidate a court judgment. Both parties are required to comply with the judgment until the court issues a decision on the stay of execution.”
He went on to criticize the Edo State Government for disregarding legal rulings and mentioned Governor Obaseki’s disrespect for judicial authority. Obaseki has shown contempt for the law, claiming that Omobayo will remain deputy governor until the end of his term as the Edo State Governor. Since the July 17 court ruling reinstating Philip Shaibu as Deputy Governor, Obaseki has acted as if he is above the law, especially following Shaibu’s alleged impeachment by the State House of Assembly in April 2024.”
