Impeached Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, has alleged that his removal from office is a move to silence his political ambition in the state.
Shortly after his impeachment by the State House of Assembly on Monday, Shaibu said the decision to sack him was illegal and unjust, since the allegations levelled against him were unfounded.
Speaking in a video made available to the press, the now-former deputy governor strongly denounced his impeachment.
“This is not just an attack on me as an individual, but on the very democratic principle that we hold dear. It is a dangerous descent into dictatorship, and a threat to the foundation of our democracy,” Shaibu said.
“Let it be clear that this impeachment was hatched because of my ambition to contest the Edo State 2024 Governorship Elections under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); an ambition that is a legal right to all the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is a sad reality that in our political landscape, ambition is met with resistance, and those in power seek to silence opposition through illegitimate means,” he added.
Shaibu lamented that after being thoroughly dedicated to serving the people of Edo State with integrity and honesty, while striving to enhance citizens’ lives and uphold democratic values, he was rewarded with baseless accusations.
He said the impeachment was a total disregard for due process, and an abuse of power, as well as a betrayal of the people’s trust.
He vowed to fight against injustice and manipulation of democratic institutions for personal gain, while emphasising his commitment to defending the people of Edo and the future of democracy.
“I have dedicated my life to serving the good people of Edo State with integrity and honesty. I have worked tirelessly to improve the life of our citizens. I have upheld the values of democracy and justice, and yet in return I am faced with baseless accusations, and a blatant disregard for due process and rule of law.
“The allegations brought against me are a move to conceal the true motive behind this impeachment. It is a fragrant abuse of power and a betrayal of trust that the people of Edo have placed in their elected officials.
“We refuse to stay inactive while our democratic institutions are manipulated and exploited for personal gains. We will fight this injustice with every iota of strength in our being for the sake of the people of Edo state, and the future of our democracy,” he said.
News Central reported that hours after Shaibu’s removal from office, the Edo State Chief Judge, Daniel Okungbowa, officially administered the oath of office to 38-year-old Marvellous Godwins Omobayo as the new Deputy Governor of the state.