Shaibu Withdraws Suit Against Obaseki
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu has withdrawn the suit he filed to the Federal High Court to stop alleged plots by the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, to remove him from office.
The deputy governor claimed that after several discussions between himself, Obaseki, and well-meaning Edo and Nigerian residents, including party leaders, traditional chiefs, and the archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Benin, the decision to drop the lawsuit was made.
The statement reads: “Re: SUIT NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/1027/2023 Between: – Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and Inspector General of Police, State Security Service, The Governor of Edo State and The Chief Judge of Edo State.
“Arising from the series of meetings held with me and also with Mr. Governor by well-meaning Edolites and indeed Nigerians including Party Leaders, Traditional Rulers, and my Archbishop, His Grace Most Rev’d Dr. Augustine Akubeze, the Archbishop of Benin Archdiocese on the issues that led to my going to Court on the above-named suit and with due respect to these eminent personalities and leaders whose persuasions and persons | cannot ignore, |, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has authorized and instructed my Solicitors to withdraw the Suit forthwith.
“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, advice 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.
“Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu.
“Deputy Governor.”
The conflict between the duo came to light when Shaibu sought the intervention of the Federal High Court in Abuja to halt his impeachment. The governor and Blessing Agbebaku, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, rejected the action.
Shaibu may have incurred the wrath of the governor due to his desire to succeed his boss, who insisted that it was the turn of Edo Central to produce the next governor of the state.
