Edo Deputy Governor Withdraws Impeachment Lawsuit Against Governor

Philip Shuaibu, Edo State’s deputy governor, made a significant announcement on Tuesday. He decided to withdraw the lawsuit he had filed in the Federal High Court. This lawsuit aimed to address what he perceived as conspiracies by Governor Godwin Obaseki to remove him from his position.

In a circular dated September 5, 2023, Shuaibu referred to this lawsuit, identified as Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1027/2023. The defendants in this case included the Inspector General of Police, the State Security Service, the Governor of Edo State, and the Chief Judge of Edo State.

The deputy governor’s decision to drop the lawsuit was the result of discussions he had with Governor Obaseki, as well as other concerned individuals from Edo and Nigeria. These discussions involved party leaders, traditional chiefs, and the archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Benin.

“With due respect to these eminent personalities and leaders whose persuasions and persons I cannot ignore, I, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu have authorized and instructed my Solicitors to withdraw the Suit forthwith,” Shaibu wrote.

“I wish to sincerely thank and appreciate these well-meaning Nigerians, Party Leaders, Traditional Rulers, and my Archbishop, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Akubeze for their kind words, advise and encouragement thus far in ensuring peace and unity in our dear State, Edo.

“I also wish to place on record my special thanks to Mr. Governor, my boss and senior brother for this path of peace.”

The crisis between Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, had deepened on Saturday as a new office outside the Government House has been allocated to the deputy governor.

A building located at 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, close to the Government House, which is the Edo State Procurement Agency office, has been renovated with a sign reading Office of the Deputy.