Shaibu said he was impeached because of his ambition to contest the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The impeached Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has rejected his impeachment by the State House of Assembly, describing it as illegal and a witch-hunt.
Shaibu said he was impeached because of his ambition to contest the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The Assembly had accused Shaibu of leaking the state government’s secrets and committing perjury, describing Shaibu’s alleged offences as impeachable.
This comes amid a prolonged rift between Governor Godwin Obaseki and the deputy governor.
The Assembly made the allegation last Wednesday stating its case at the inaugural sitting of the seven-man panel set up by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to probe the deputy governor.
But reacting to his impeachment, Shaibu who vowed to fight it with the last drop of blood in his veins, said his impeachment is not only illegal but also an oppression and a blow to the principles of democracy and rule of law.
He further said that history will harshly judge members of the State House of Assembly who betrayed the trust of their people to impeach him on trumped-up allegetions.
According to him, the allegations were brought up to hide the true reason behind his impeachment.
Shaibu said, “It is with heavy heart, yet, a resolute spirit that I come before you to address the recent events that have unfolded within our dear state.
Philip Shaibu rejects impeachment as Edo Deputy Governor, vows to fight on pic.twitter.com/FkNZWBDS91
— AIT (@AIT_Online) April 8, 2024
“I denounce in strongest terms the illegal impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly over trumped-up charges.
“This is not just an attack on me as an individual, but on the very democratic principle that we hold dear. It is a dangerous descent into dictatorship and a threat to the foundation of our democracy.
“Let it be clear that this impeachment was hashed because of my ambition to contest the Edo State 2024 governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), an ambition that is a legal right to all the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is a sad reality that in our political landscape, ambition is met with resistance and those in power seek to silence opposition through illegitimate means.
“I have dedicated my life to serving the good people of Edo State with integrity and honesty. I have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens. I have upheld the values of democracy and justice, yet, in return, I am faced with baseless accusations and blatant disregard for due process and rule of law.”
He insisted that the allegations brought against him “are nothing more than a whole screen to conceal the true motive behind this impeachment”.
He continued, “It is a flagrant abuse of power and betrayal of the trust that the people of Edo have placed in their elected officials.
“We refuse to stay inactive while our democratic institutions manipulate and exploit for personal gain. We will fight this with iota of blood in our vein for the sake of the people of Edo state and the future of our democracy.
“I call on all well-meaning citizens of Edo and indeed all Nigerians who believe in the principles of democracy and justice to stand with us in this moment of crisis. We cannot allow tyranny and oppression to take roots in our society. We must resist the forces that seek to undermine our freedom and trample upon our rights.
“To the members of the Edo State House of Assembly who have chosen to forsake their oath of office and participate in this charade, history will judge harshly for your betrayal of the people who elected you to represent their interests. But know that you do not have the power to silence the voice of justice and truth.
“I call upon the judiciary and all relevant authorities to intervene and uphold the principles of justice and fairness. Let truth prevail over lies. Let the rule of law triumph over lawlessness. I am confident that the legal system will vindicate me and expose the sham that has been orchestrated against me.
“I will not be deterred or intimidated by those who seek to subvert our democracy. I will continue to fight for the rights and freedom of all Edolites and by extension, Nigerians that suffer oppression. I will stand firm in my resolve to see justice done.
“In the face of tyranny and oppression, I urge all to remain calm and go about our lawful duties as good citizens and true democrats.”