The Chairman of the Conference of Registered Political Parties, Edo State chapter, Samson Isibor, has expressed disappointment over the impeachment of Philip Shaibu as the state deputy governor.
Earlier, the state House of Assembly had impeached Shaibu.
Shaibu’s impeachment came after the state Chief Judge appointed a seven-member panel to investigate accusations against him.
Led by Justice S.A. Omonua, the panel looked into claims of perjury and divulging confidential government information.
Reacting to the development, Isibor said the development was contrary to what the Edo people bargained for.
He, however, blamed the Chief Judge of the state, Daniel Okungbowa, for setting up the panel that investigated the allegation against Shaibu.
He noted that the haste in which the exercise was carried out showed bias against the former deputy governor.
He said, “This is not what the Edo indigenes bargained for. The impeachment of the deputy governor is illegal and should not be allowed to stay.
“I blame the Chief Judge for this illegal impeachment. The process only lasted for three days, which showed that they had their mind made up on what to do. Imagine, the charade that was carried out in a few days.”
When asked if Shaibu shot himself in the foot by not appearing at the panel, Isibor said, “If he appeared at the panel that showed he agreed with what they are doing, more so, when the court has told the parties involved to come and show cause why Shaibu quest to halt his impeachment should not be granted.’
Also, the Africa Action Congress, Udoh Oberaifo, also condemned the impeachment of Shaibu.
In a statement in Benin, Oberaifo said, “Of concern is the fact that the impeachment proceeded despite a pending case filed by the deputy governor at the Federal High court.
“This legal action should have warranted a status quo, yet the impeachment was carried out regardless, casting doubts on the motives behind the hurried proceedings.”
He alleged the new deputy governor was a card-carrying member of LP, adding that he was yet to resign membership as of the time he was sworn in.
“This action, is in clear violation of the Electoral Act 2022 and it underscores the connivance between the LP and PDP to consolidate power,” he added.
He condemned the display of political manoeuvring and warned against the entrenched godfatherism that had permeated Edo politics.
