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Published on 2024-03-07 08:16:52
Lawmakers in Edo have taken a bold step by commencing impeachment proceedings against the state’s deputy governor, Philip Shaibu. The reason behind this move is allegedly due to Shaibu’s violation of a secrecy oath and perjury. This decision was captured in a petition dated March 5, 2024, which was signed by 21 out of the 24 members of the House, as reported by Legit.ng.
The ongoing rift between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki is believed to have escalated to this point. The political crisis in Edo State that began in 2023 has continued to unfold, with Shaibu’s ambitions for the governorship election in September 2024 being a major point of contention. Governor Obaseki, it seems, has a different preference for his successor, leading to the strained relationship between the two politicians.
Both Shaibu and Obaseki are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the impeachment notice against Shaibu is viewed as a significant development in their ongoing feud. The allegations made against Shaibu in the petition focus on perjury and the breach of government secrets, as announced by Charity Aiguobarueghian, the majority leader of the Edo house of assembly during plenary. The petition was signed by a majority of the House members, indicating substantial support for this course of action.
Shaibu now has seven days to respond to the impeachment notice, as per The Guardian newspaper. This notice marks a crucial juncture in the political landscape of Edo State, with implications for the upcoming election and the power dynamics within the PDP in the state.
In a related development, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, recently explained the reduction in Shaibu’s budget for the year 2024. Agbebaku clarified that the allocated budget was reduced to N354 million due to the perception that Shaibu has limited responsibilities in the coming year.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the political climate in Edo State remains volatile. With Shaibu’s ambitions clashing with Governor Obaseki’s preferences, the impeachment proceedings highlight the power struggles and internal dynamics within the PDP in the state. The next steps in this process will undoubtedly shape the future of Edo State politics and the upcoming governorship election. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Read the original article on Legit.ng
