New Edo Deputy Governor Sworn In As Shaibu Reacts To Impeachment

Following the impeachment of Phillip Shuaibu, the Edo State House of Assembly has approved the appointment of Omobayo Marvellous Godwin as the new deputy governor. He was subsequently sworn in.
During the plenary session, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, stated that the report of the 7-man judicial panel of inquiry contained two findings and one recommendation.

According to him, the panel’s report failed to establish the case of perjury against the deputy governor but did find him guilty of disclosing government secrets.

The judicial panel of inquiry, he said, recommended impeaching the deputy governor for disclosing government secrets.

“The Clerk of the House, Alhaji Yahaya Omogbai, who conducted a head count of the lawmakers, stated that two-thirds (16 of 24) of the House members were required to carry out the impeachment.

“At the end of the headcount, 18 of the 19 lawmakers in plenary voted for his impeachment and one voted against it.

“The assembly then upheld and approved the impeachment of the deputy governor.”

Shaibu responded, claiming that the impeachment was illegal and based on fabricated charges.

He claimed that the allegations against him were made to mislead the public and that his ordeal was caused by his political ambition.

According to him, impeachment is a step towards dictatorship and a threat to the country’s democracy.
He said he would not be deterred by the actions of detractors, but he did assure Edo people that he would challenge his impeachment in court.

Meanwhile, a new deputy governor was sworn in. His name is Omobayo Marvellous Godwins.
Omobayo was born on July 19, 1986, and is from the Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the State.

He has a B.Engr. Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and an MSc. in Public Administration from the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

In his acceptance speech shortly after taking the oath of office, the new Deputy Governor stated, “Your Excellency, by the grace of God, you have it. I have accepted the appointment. I am eager to work with you to ensure that your tenure in office ends on a high note.

“Loyalty is the name of the game, and I assure you, sir, that you will have it in abundance.
“My people in Akoko Edo have been overjoyed and excited. Since colonial times, when the Local Government Area was established, no administration has attempted to tempt Akoko Edo with the position of Deputy Governor, even for a single day.

“Akoko Edo has produced no State Governors, Federal Ministers, or other high-ranking government officers, with the exception of those who are constitutionally required.
Etsako has served as the state’s governor.

“It has also been fortunate to produce some military governors, Vice Military Heads of State, and several ministers. Etsako has also produced two Deputy Governors for this state. Owan has produced a Deputy Governor, several House of Assembly Speakers, and other high-ranking government officials.

“This history helps to explain why my people are so excited about this appointment, even though it is only for a few months. Akoko Edo is the oldest and largest of the six Edo North local government areas in terms of population and voting population. It has the third largest population in Edo State, and so on.

“To put it simply, the oath of office I just took is my legal acceptance speech. It specifies the legal limits that I can and cannot exceed while in office. Beyond this legal ceremony, I must publicly express my heartfelt gratitude to our respected Executive Governor, His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and the leadership of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“I pledge to uphold my oath of office. I have no choice in this matter. My principal will have no reason to complain. The party will be pleased with me. Our State Legislature will be pleased with me. Edo people will be pleased with me in the office. “But I need prayers,” he added.