Following the impeachment of Philip Shaibu as Deputy Governor of Edo State by the state Assembly, 37-year-old Omobayo Godwins has been sworn in as the new Deputy Governor of the state.
He was sworn in around 1:40 pm on Monday by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa at the Edo State Government House in Benin City.
After administering an oath of office on him, Omobayo was greeted by a rousing crowd of supporters, well-wishers, and some top shots in Edo State.
The former Deputy Governor was impeached because he released secret information about the state and the development climax of months of power tussle between him and Governor Obaseki over the former’s quest for the state’s governorship seat.
Reacting to his impeachment via a broadcast shared on his official X handle, the former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu described his impeachment as illegal.
“We will fight this injustice with every strength in us for the sake of Edo State and the future of Democracy.
“I denounce in the strongest terms the illegal impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly. This is not just an attack on me as an individual but on our democratic principles.
“We will fight this injustice with every strength in us for the sake of Edo State and the future of Democracy.
“It is a threat to the foundation of our democracy. Let it be clear that this impeachment came because of my ambition to contest the 2023 Edo State Governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party PDP.
“An ambition that is a legal right to all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is a sad reality that those in power seem to silence opposition through illegitimate means. I have dedicated my love to serving the good people of Edo State with integrity and honesty”.
The former Deputy Governor alleged that the members of the State Assembly had “chosen to forsake their oath of office and participated” in his impeachment.
“History will judge you harshly for betraying people who elected you to represent them,” he said.
