By Ogochukwu Isioma in Benin City
The National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, has congratulated Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu on his reinstatement as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.
Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Wednesday morning, reinstated Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, following his earlier impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.
The Court presided over by Hon. Justice James Omotosho held that the removal of Shaibu from office as Deputy Governor of Edo State and the subsequent appointment of Omobayo Godwins as his replacement by the Governor of Edo State was illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.
Orbih’s congratulatory message to Shaibu was contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists, on Wednesday, moments after the court’s pronouncement.
It reads,
I want to sincerely congratulate the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip 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 deputy 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 ELECTED 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.
Justice like you know, is the cornerstone of the social system. Plato described Justice as “giving each Man his due”. 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.
