The Edo State Government has filed an appeal against the Federal High Court’s decision to reinstate Philip Shaibu as Deputy Governor, and has also applied for a stay of execution on the judgment.
According to Commissioner Chris Nehikhare, the government maintains that Omobayo Marvellous Godwins remains the legitimate Deputy Governor until the appeal is resolved.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier reinstated Philip Shaibu as Deputy Governor on Wednesday, but the State Government swiftly filed a notice of appeal and a motion for stay of execution of the judgment before the Court of Appeal.
Commissioner for Orientation and Communication, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, emphasizing that the government is taking all necessary legal steps to uphold the legitimacy of Omobayo Godwins as the duly appointed Deputy Governor of Edo State.
He said, “Pending the hearing of the appeal of the judgement, the incumbent Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Omobayo Marvellous Godwins remains and continues to serve as the valid deputy Governor of Edo State.
“He will continue to serve in this capacity and would be recognized as such. The government hereby calls on the people of Edo State to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses.”
It was earlier reported that Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, had set aside the impeachment of Philip Shuaibu as Edo State Deputy Governor by the State House of Assembly.
The Court, in its judgement on Wednesday, held that Shuaibu’s impeachment and subsequent removal from office violated the provisions of the law.
Having declared the removal as unlawful, the court subsequently ordered his reinstatement as deputy governor of the state.
Besides, the court ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to restore his security details as deputy governor.
