The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo has commended the state Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu for withdrawing the lawsuit he filed to stop his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki and the House of Assembly from impeaching him (Shaibu).
Chairman of the party, Tony Aziegbemi, said the withdrawal of the lawsuit by the Edo State number 2 citizen, was the first step towards resolving the rift between the duo.
According to Aziegbemi, there was no need for the lawsuit in the first place as other conflict resolution techniques would have been used to resolve the problem between the two Edo leaders.
His words: “It is commendable that the deputy governor has withdrawn the case from court. There was no need for the case in the first place as the issue could have been solved using other methods.
“Over a week ago, I said that our desire as a party is to ensure a peaceful resolution of the rift and the withdrawal of the suit is the first step toward finding a lasting solution to the rift. We need unity to excel as a party.”
Recall that Shaibu withdrew the lawsuit he filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, aimed at thwarting the alleged effort by Obaseki to unseat him from office.
In a statement, Shaibu said his decision was based on the need to respect the intervention of several prominent individuals, including religious and traditional leaders, while also appreciating the governor for agreeing to the peace initiatives.
The leadership and members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Edo State Chapter led by its Chairman, Comrade Moses Agwinede Joseph, has condemned, in the strongest term, the recent killings perpetrated in the state by suspected cult groups.
In a statement on Tuesday by the NYCN Chairman, he said cult killings in Edo, like anywhere else, are a deeply troubling and condemnable phenomenon that has plagued communities, claimed numerous lives, and has inflicted untold pains and hardship on families.
“These acts of violence not only shatter the lives of victims and their families but also threatens the overall safety and stability of the society at large,” the NYCN Chairman, Comrade Moses Agwinede Joseph noted.
He said the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter as a body saddled with the responsibility of youth development and promoting peace, condemns the killings perpetrated in the state by rival cult groups and sues for peace.
The NYCN encouraged all groups to sheathe their swords and embrace peace, tolerance and love for one another, saying, “those who are involved in these dastardly acts must desist from and resist the temptation to continue, because, war is senseless, whereas, peace is priceless.”
While commending the security agencies for the effort at installing law and order in the society, the NYCN urged security agencies to intensify their investigative efforts to ensure that the culprits are unraveled and brought to justice.
Joseph also urged families to caution their children and wards to desist from any activity that threatens state security and to teach them love and tolerance, noting that it is our collective responsibility to keep our state a safe Haven for all.
“To combat this issue effectively, it is crucial to take a multi-pronged approach where we all work together in love and harmony towards a safer, and more prosperous future for the people of Edo State,” the statement concluded.
The Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, has ordered the withdrawal of the suit he filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, to stop alleged plots by the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, to remove him from office.
Shaibu made this known in a letter he personally signed, dated September 5, 2023, citing the case with Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1027/2023, which named the Inspector-General of Police, State Security Service, the Governor of Edo State, and the Chief Judge of Edo State as defendants.
The Deputy Governor noted that the decision to withdraw the suit came after a series of meetings involving himself, Obaseki, and well-meaning citizens of Edo and Nigerians, including party leaders, traditional rulers, and his Archbishop, the Archbishop of Benin Archdiocese of Catholic Church.
He said, “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 I cannot ignore, I, 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.”
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said there will not be a restriction of movement for Edo State Local Government Area (LGA) elections scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2023, assuring commuters transiting through the state of safe passage.
Obaseki disclosed this while briefing journalists after the State Security Council meeting held at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The governor, who assured Edo people of adequate security during the election, urged voters to come out en masse to cast their ballots for their preferred candidates. He noted that the State will be very peaceful as all security agencies are on ground to protect the electorates.
According to him: “We reviewed the security situation, beginning with the forthcoming September 2nd local government election in Edo State. The local government election will be held on Saturday and one unique thing about the election is that movement is not restricted. People will be allowed to go about their normal activities after voting. Movement within the State and commuters going through the State will not be restricted.
“The security must be high. That is why we have met with the various security agencies to look at their readiness and preparation for the election.
“From the level of mobilization, we have seen what is happening across the parties and believe that there is quite a considerable level of sensitization. People will come out to vote. My advice is that as they come out to vote, they should do it peacefully. Election is not war.
“Enough preparation has been made to secure the people so that they can go to the polling unit, vote and go home. If they need to come back and wait for the votes to be counted and the election declared, they can also do so, but it must be peaceful.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Dankwara, said security agencies are prepared and ready for the local government election, noting: “We are prepared for the election and we are all on the same page with our sister security agencies and surely the election will be very peaceful.”
Photo caption: •L-R: Edo State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Dankwara; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Controller of Corrections, Edo State Command, Correctional Service, Philomena Emehinola Esq, and Edo State Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Commandant Dan Samuel Okon, after the State Security Council meeting at the Government House, in Benin City, on Thursday, August 31, 2023.
The Federal Government has urged Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State to get in touch with the Ministry of Works with a design if the State is desirous of giving attention to any federal road within Edo State.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, made the call on Wednesday during his second day of an inspection tour of Status of Federal projects in the Southwest region.
The former Ebonyi State Governor said his door as Minister is open and can be reached at anytime by the Edo State Governor even via WhatsApp for repairs approval within two hours.
He was reacting to a statement credited to Obaseki on Monday in Igarra, Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the State, where the governor called on Edo people to plead with President Bola Tinubu to allow him (Obaseki) fix federal roads in the state.
“I want to repair and fix your road but you have to help me beg them in Abuja to let me do it because they say it’s their own road and will not allow a State to work on their roads and fix them. So, you have to help us beg the Federal Government so that they will allow us to take these roads and fix them,” the governor siad.
But, reacting, the Minister of Works noted that elections are now over and urged Governor Obaseki to stop playing politics with the lives of the residents of Edo State.
According to him, there was no need for unnecessary politicisation of the issue of deplorable Federal Roads in Edo State when it affects the lives of the citizens of the state and other road users.
His words, “Tell my brother in Edo State (Obaseki) to seek approval from the Ministry of Works. When I was governor, we also intervened in federal roads. So he doesn’t need permission as such to give a better life to the people of Edo State and other Nigerians using the roads.
”I want him to approach the Ministry of Works and seek its permission. Even if he sends me a request on WhatsApp, I will give him approval within two hours so that they can start. But I am going to visit Edo State and I am going to look at those roads. Mr President is very committed to every part of this country.”
A few weeks ago, the Edo State Governor’s official car and other vehicles in his convoy were filmed stranded in a waterlogged part of an highway with onlookers throwing jabs at him for his failure to construct good roads in the state.
The State Government responded by placing a signpost on the road along the Benin-Asaba road indicating that it is a Federal and not a State road.
Shaibu: Edo Govt Lied Over 60th Midwest Referendum Colloquium Incident, Says PDP Chieftain
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Chief John Asekhauno, has narrated a first account of the ugly incident that took place at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Soundstage, the venue of the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum celebration, organised by the state government, in Benin City, where members of the Deputy Governor’s media crew were denied access to the hall.
In a statement on Wednesday, Asekhauno noted that against the narrative pushed out by the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, that the deputy governor arrived after the event had already started with the governor and other dignitaries reportedly seated, Philip Shaibu had actually ushered in his counterpart from Delta State and was already seated in the hall, an hour before the arrival of Governor Godwin Obaseki and other dignitaries.
The PDP Chieftain who claimed he was at the venue of the event and witnessed the incident, revealed that it was upon the realization that none of his media aides was within sight that the deputy governor sought to find out where they were so they could capture special moments for his office at the event, then he went to ask after his aides.
He noted that on getting to the entrance of the venue, he (Shaibu) was surprised that all his media aides were outside as the security personnel to the governor wouldn’t allow them access into the hall because they claimed they were not accredited to be part of the media crew covering the event.
“I suspect that all the efforts by Philip Shaibu to get his media aides into the hall, which the security details of the governor rebuffed, may have been the reason he stormed out of the venue as he felt he was not needed there. So, the narrative by the Commissioner that the deputy governor does not like attending state functions is an attempt to malign him, and the stoppage of his media aides may have been orchestrated to get the Deputy Governor to react to gather impeachment offenses against him”, he stated.
Asekhauno condemned the reported harassment of the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, by Governor Godwin Obaseki and his aides at recent state functions, alleging that the move is simply setting the stage for impeaching Shaibu.
He expressed deep concerns at the incidents, describing it as an affront on democracy, assault on political legitimacy, and a grave violation of the rights of an elected official.
Recalling the incident of Sunday, 27th August, where in a viral photograph, a security detail of Governor Obaseki was seen at an interdenominational service at the Festival Hall of the Government House, preventing the deputy governor from greeting his principal, the PDP chieftain said that “such actions not only degrade the dignity of those involved but also cast a negative shadow on the efforts towards building a united Edo State, and I think the good people of Edo state deserve leaders who prioritize the welfare of the citizens over personal animosity.”
Asekhauno urged Governor Obaseki to adhere to the principles of democratic governance and lead by example.
He emphasized that political differences should be resolved through constructive dialogue, not by resorting to power plays or harassment.
The PDP Chieftain called on all stakeholders to work towards fostering an inclusive and collaborative political environment for the benefit of all Edo residents.
He further demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged incident to ensure that those responsible for the harassment face appropriate consequences.
He stressed the need for accountability and transparency in governance, urging the state’s leadership to focus on fulfilling their campaign promises instead of engaging in political hostilities.
The PDP chieftain appealed to all political actors in Edo State to prioritize unity, development, and good governance above personal or party interests.
“It is time for our leaders to rise above pettiness and work towards the common goal of making Edo State a model of progress and prosperity,” the statement concluded.
Contrary to reports, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has said that members of his media crew did not breach any protocol during yesterday's colloquium organised by the state government to mark the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum.
Recall that Shaibu stormed out of the venue of the colloquium held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin, after his media crew were denied access to the venue by the governor’s security and media aides.
It was gathered that members of the Shaibu's media crew who were already at work were identified one after the other and forced out of the venue midway into the programme by the governor's security and media aides.
Shaibu, it was learnt, left his sitting position in the hall and stepped out to inquire about the whereabout of his media crew after realizing that none of the crew members were with him inside the venue.
In a viral video, the deputy governor could be heard telling the governor's aides that his crew "will go (in) with me", a plea which the aides turned down, citing "instructions from above." With his pleas unheeded, the deputy governor said he could not be in an event where his media crew was barred. He subsequently left the venue.
Following the incident, the state government announced the disbandment of the Deputy Governor's media crew last night.
The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, in a statement, said some journalists, who claimed to be the media crew of the Deputy Governor, attempted to force their way into the hall, where the governor and other invited dignitaries were already seated.
“This act was contrary to the accredited protocol that had been established for the media coverage of the event. The orchestrated and stage-managed walkout, and disruption is highly regrettable,” [/b]Nehikhare claimed.
[b]But, speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Ebomhiana Musa, the Deputy Governor said the Commissioner twisted the fact in his (Nehikhare's) response on the attack of members of the media crew attached to office of the deputy governor.
Speaking with journalists, on Tuesday, Musa described the commissioner’s claim that his principal's media crew breached protocol as “silly, senseless, white and ridiculous lies against him (Shaibu) and his media crew”.
The deputy governor's chief press secretary noted that his principal and his media crew were already inside the venue and never breached protocol or attempted to force their way into the hall.
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has ordered the disbandment of the media crew attached to the Office of the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, with immediate effect.
This is coming after the deputy governor's media crew were on Monday restricted from accessing Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin, venue of the colloquium organised by the state government to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum which birthed Edo and Delta States.
In a statement Monday night issued by Mr. Chris Osa Nehikhare, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, the Governor directed the Ministry of Communication and Orientation to step in and offer media coverage for the deputy governor's office henceforth.
The statement reads, “Edo State Government has disbanded the media crew attached to the Office of the Deputy Governor, with a directive to the Deputy Governor to henceforth request the Ministry of Communication and Orientation for media coverage of activities of his office.
“This directive followed the ugly and unfortunate incident that happened during the colloquium held to mark the 60th anniversary of Midwest Referendum celebration held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Soundstage, where some journalists, who claimed to be the media crew of the Deputy Governor, attempted to force their way into the hall where the governor and other invited dignitaries were already seated.
“This act was contrary to the accredited protocol that had been established for the media coverage of the event.
“The orchestrated and stage managed walkout and disruption is highly regrettable.”
Security personnel believed to be attached to Office of the Governor on Monday barred journalists attached to the Deputy Governor’s Office from accessing venue of the 60th anniversary celebration of the Midwest Referendum in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Shaibu had arrived venue of the event ahead of Governor Obaseki alongside his media crew and made entry into the hall. However, moments later, the crew members were reportedly ejected from the venue, by security personnel, said to be acting on instructions.
Trouble started moments into the event as the Deputy Governor who upon realising that his media crew were not with him at the program exited the hall to fetch his team and were making a return to the hall when security personnel led by the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Alfred Okungbowa, barricaded them.
In a trending video seen by this Newspaper, one of the Governor’s media aides could be seen preventing the Deputy Governor’s media crew from accessing venue of the event, citing "order from above", while calling for backup from the Government House's Chief Security Officer (CSO).
All efforts made by the Deputy Governor to ensure that his media crew were admitted in the venue were futile as he was blatantly told by the security personnel that they were simply acting on an “instruction from above”, as seen in the trending video.
At that point, Shaibu, it was observed, told his retinue of aides and the affected journalists that he could not be in an event where his media crew are barred. He subsequently exited the venue and drove out alongside his team without speaking to the press.
VIDEOS: Obaseki, Shaibu's Rift get Messier as Security Bar Deputy Gov's Media Crew from Event
The last may have not been heard of the rift between Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, as security personnel on Monday barred journalists attached to the Deputy Governor’s Office from accessing venue of a state function.
This was at the ongoing celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum taking place at the state-owned Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Shaibu had arrived venue of the event alongside his media crew and made entry into the hall. However, moments later, the crew members were reportedly ejected from the venue, by security personnel, said to be acting on instructions.
One of the journalists, who spoke with metrowatchonline.com on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the development.
He said they were approached by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Andrew Okungbowa, who ordered them to wait outside the hall pending further directives as their names/media houses were not on the list of accredited journalists.
“We were all at work when the CPS (Mr. Andrew Okungbowa) and the Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Governor, Ms Osarumwense Margaret Ojo, identified us one after the other before security men attached to the Office of the Governor who physically forced us out of the venue,” the source claimed.
However, trouble started moments into the event as the Deputy Governor who upon realising that his media crew were not with him at the program exited the hall to fetch his team and were making a return to the hall when security led by the CPS barricaded them.
In a trending video seen by this newspaper, one of the Governor’s media aides could be seen preventing the Deputy Governor’s media crew from the venue, while calling for backup from the Government House Chief Security Officer (CSO).
The scene became confrontational as the security personnel and the Governor’s media aides were seen ‘tossing’ a member of the Deputy Governor’s media crew who attempted to make force entry into the venue behind the Deputy Governor.
It was gathered that all efforts made by the Deputy Governor to ensure that his media crew were admitted in the venue were futile as he was allegedly told by the security personnel that they were simply acting on an “instruction from above.”
At that point, Shaibu, it was gathered, told his retinue of aides and the affected journalists that he could not be in an event where his media crew are barred. He subsequently exited the venue without speaking to the press.
As at the time of filing this report, the Governor’s Office was yet to formally react to the development.
It will be recalled that a similar drama played out only yesterday (Sunday) as security personnel attached to Governor Obaseki restrained the Deputy Governor from getting close to the Governor at a Church service to commemorate the State’s 32nd year anniversary.
A mild drama played out after Shaibu, who recently fell out with his boss over his rumoured 2024 governorship ambition, tried to access the Governor apparently to exchange pleasantries with him following his (Shaibu’s) return from vacation in the United States.
However, all attempts by the Deputy Governor to get close to the Governor failed, as Shaibu was rebuffed by a security detail attached to the Governor’s Office who blocked his way.
But the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Andrew Okungbowa, who defended his principal, said: “Whatever happened at the Church service was not at the behest of the Governor, neither was he aware of what the security aides were going; in fact the security aides were doing their job. Besides, the governor was not aware that the deputy governor was coming to greet him.
“The Church is a public event, so the security aides had a duty to safeguard their principal.”
Amid the feud between the two Edo political leaders, Shaibu approached the Federal High Court in Abuja for protection to restrain Governor Obaseki, the Edo State House of Assembly, Chief Judge of the State and others from impeaching him.
In reaction, Governor Obaseki had accused Shaibu of being desperate to succeed him as governor, saying the deputy governor may contemplate coup against him (Obaseki).
Shaibu had however denied the allegations, saying he remained loyal to the Governor as there was no any ill attempt against Obaseki.
There was a mild drama in Edo State Government House on Sunday, as security personnel restrained the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, from getting close to the Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki at a public function.
But the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sylvester Okungbowa, who defended his principal, said: “Whatever happened at the Church service was not at the behest of the Governor, neither was he aware what the security aides were doing; in fact the security aides were doing their job. Besides, the governor was not aware that the deputy was coming to greet him.
“The Church is a public event, so the security aides had a duty to safeguard their principal.”
This was during the Interdenominational Thanksgiving Church Service to mark Edo 32nd year anniversary, held at the Festival Hall, Government House.
Drama played out after Shaibu who recently fell out with his boss over his rumoured 2024 governorship ambition tried to access the Governor following his (Shaibu's) return from vacation in the United States.
However, all attempts by the Deputy Governor to get close to the Governor failed, as Shaibu was rebuffed by personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) attached to the Governor's Office who blocked his way.
It was, however, observed that the Deputy Governor would later from afar bow to the Governor in form of respect and return back to his seating position.
It was also gathered that no seat was reserved for the Deputy Governor on the Governor's sitting row at the event, as Shaibu had to get a chair in front of the other aile of the hall.
However, addressing journalists shortly after the ceremony, the Deputy Governor reaffirmed his unalloyed loyalty to his boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki, whom he described as his elder brother.
Shaibu said whatever disagreement he may have with his boss was strictly a family affair and he (Shaibu) would never address the governor in the media, while maintaining that ambition does not affect loyalty as his loyalty to Obaseki remain absolute.
According to him, ”Issues that concern my governor are not what I discuss on camera. He (Obaseki) is my elder brother and boss, if I have any issues with him, I think it is better settled at home not in the media. Family problem are better resolved in a family way.
“I am well brought up and from my Christian background, when you take a vow (with God), you must fulfil it. And the vow I have taken with God is that I will continue to support Godwin Obaseki as the Governor of Edo State from the beginning to the end.
“But that doesn't stop any other thing that has to do with ambition. Ambition is personal. Ambition does not affect loyalty. My loyalty to the governor remains absolute. I am also in solidarity with the governor and declaring my unalloyed loyalty to the Governor and nothing more.”
Amid the feud between the two Edo political leaders, Shaibu approached the Federal High Court in Abuja for protection to restrain Governor Godwin Obaseki, Edo State House of Assembly, Chief Judge of Edo State and others from impeaching him.
In reaction, Governor Obaseki had accused Shaibu of being desperate to succeed him, saying the deputy governor may contemplate coup against him (Obaseki).
Shaibu had however denied the allegations, saying he remained loyal to the Governor as there was no any ill attempt against Obaseki.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state has said it will appeal Saturday's judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on the case it instituted against the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
Igbere TV had earlier reported how the Court, today, dismissed the certificate forgery suit filed against the Edo governor by the APC and a chieftain of the party, Williams Edobor.
Justice Ahmed Mohammed dismissed the suit on the conclusion that the plaintiffs(APC, Edobor) failed to prove their allegations of forgery against Obaseki ‘beyond reasonable doubt.’
In a statement forwarded to Igbere TV, Saturday, endorsed by the APC Caretaker Publicity Secretary in Edo, Mr. Chris Azebamwan, the party said it was appealing the judgement.
He quoted the Chairman of the Party Caretaker Committee in Edo, Col. David Imuse RTD, as saying the APC legal team would immediately move to study the judgement and file an appeal.
Imuse expressed hope that the judiciary will remain upright and always ensure that the will of the people and rule of law prevail.
”We thank God also granting all the lawyers and the judge very good health with which they all contributed to bring the whole litigation process to this interesting stage. It is not the end of the road,” the statement quoted the APC chair as saying.
He said all APC members in Edo state are very hopeful like the good democrats and believers in the rule of law that they are that the Judiciary will continue to show that it is the last hope of the common man.
Meanwhile, Col. Imuse has appealed to all APC members in the state to be calm and to go about their normal activities without animosity as the party appeals the verdict.
The Judge arrived the Court premises at exactly 1:15p..
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki will today(Saturday), at 12 Noon, knows fate as the Federal High Court in Abuja delivers judgment in a certificate forgery suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the Governor.
Igbere TV recalls that Justice Ahmed Mohammed, the judge presiding over the case, had fixed the judgment date for Saturday January 9 after parties to the suit adopted their final arguments on Thursday.
This Online Medium understands that the judge fixed today for the judgment to beat the expiry date of the suit which has 180 days lifespan from the time it was filed in July 2020.
The APC and one of its members, Williams Edobor, who jointly filed the suit, urged the court to disqualify Obaseki as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 19, 2020 poll.
Their prayer is anchored on the grounds that Obaseki allegedly forged his University of Ibadan certificate which he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in support of his nomination as a candidate in the governorship election.
What could happen?
Should the court disqualify Obaseki as a candidate in the election which he won to clinch the second term in office, he would be sacked and the party that came second in the election will produce the next governor and deputy.
But interestingly, Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who came second in the contest, is temporarily out of the picture following the disqualification of his running mate, Gani Audu over alleged discrepancies on his credentials.
Meanwhile, Ize-Iyamu has appealed the judgement of the Edo state High Court which nullified the candidacy of his running mate, Gani Audu, from the September 19, 2020 Edo Governorship election.
Igbere TV had reported how the court presided by Justice Hellen Courage-Ogbebo, on Wednesday declared Audu’s candidacy as invalid for giving false information to INEC in the form EC9 affidavit to enable him to contest the election in the state.
The trial judge delivered the judgement in a suit filed by Kadiri Oshoakpemhe against the APC deputy governorship candidate and others.
Ize-Iyamu appealed the judgement on the basis that the trial judge erred in law when he held that the suit between Kadiri Oshoakpemhe (first respondent) against Gani Audu (second respondent) and others was not statute-barred by virtue of the provision of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He, therefore, prayed the court to set aside the judgement of the trial court and dismiss the first respondent for failing to prove his claim rooted in allegation of commission of crime beyond reasonable doubt as required by law.
Implication:
Why the the APC and its candidates await on the Appeal Court to deliver a favourable judgement and return their participation in the contest, and should the Federal High Court in Abuja disqualify Obaseki from the contest today.......
The candidate who came third in the contest would step in as Governor. But Igbere TV observed that the candidate, 36-year-old Iboi Emmanuel, did not meet the Constitutional requirements. To win a governorship election, the candidate needs a majority of the votes and 25% of the votes in at least two-thirds of the local government areas in the state (section 179 of the 1999 Constitution). Emmanuel only managed to poll at least 3,000 votes to come third in the contest.
What then?
According to a legal practitioner, who spoke to Igbere TV Saturday morning, the worse that could happen is for the Speaker of the Edo Assembly to be sworn in as Acting Governor as the Constitution does not permit vacuum in power.
The Speaker, Marcus Onobun, would remain in acting capacity until either Obaseki or Ize-Iyamu wins either of their case if appealed up to the Supreme Court.
If both fail to win, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be left with no other option than to conduct a fresh rerun among the remaining qualified candidates.
But the legal practitioner argued that Ize-Iyamu's case was already at the Court of Appeal therefore the execution of Edo State High Court ruling is statutorily stayed. Moreover, if the Federal High Court, Abuja finds Obaseki wanting today, the Edo governor is likely to approach the Court of Appeal immediately for stay of execution and continue as Edo state governor till the final judgement so the possibility of Ize-Iyamu being sworn in immediately is very slim.
Anxiety, Tension in Edo
Meanwhile, there is a palpable tension in Edo and anxiety among supporters of Obaseki, members of the Peoples Democratic Party, the All Progressives Congress, over today’s judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the certificate scandal involving the Governor.
It was observed on Friday in Benin, that APC members and the teeming supporters of the governorship candidate of the party during last year’s election, Ize-Iyamu, were expressing optimism that APC would emerge victorious.
Ize-Iyamu’s supporters insisted that Obaseki would not be able to wriggle out of the alleged forgery and perjury suit, brought against him by the APC and one of its members, William Edobor.
“With what we have presented before the court, we are 99 per cent sure of victory,” a supporter of Ize-Iyamu and APC member who spoke on condition of anonymity told Igbere TV.
But most supporters of Obaseki were restless but confident of winning, in view of the good job done by Edo governor’s legal team, even while many supporters of Ize-Iyamu were optimistic that APC would have favourable judgment.
Speaking on Friday night, a PDP member and Obaseki’s supporter who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “Everybody is waiting for the judgement.
“Some of us are restless. But we are confident because our legal team did a good job and from my view, they could not prove any case of forgery, so we expect a favourable ruling.”
The parties on Thursday exchanged their written addresses through e-mails, with the presiding judge, Justice Ahmed Muhammed, reserving judging for today.
#ObasekiOut, #ObasekiTill2024 trend on Twitter
Meanwhile, ahead of today's judgement, supporters of the APC’s Ize-Iyamu and members of the party on Friday took to Twitter to trend #ObasekiOut, suggesting that the Edo state governor may be sent packing from the Osadebe Avenue, Edo government house, by the court today.
Similarly, supporters of the Edo state governor and members of the Peoples Democratic Party, following the #ObasekiOut Twitter trend, took to the micro-blogging social media platform early Saturday to trend #ObasekiTill2024 to show support for the governor ahead of the 12 noon judgement.
Security beefed up at Court premises
Meanwhile, security at the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja has been beefed up to the maximum, ahead of the judgement expected to be delivered from noon, today.
Officials from the Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Army, including security trucks were spotted all over the court premises.
This is even as top chieftains of the APC including its former National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole; Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Hope Uzodima and Yahaya Bello of Kano, Imo and Kogi State respectively were spotted arriving the court ahead of the judgement.
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 19 Edo 2020 Governorship election, Mr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu, is appealing a High Court ruling nullifying his candidacy alongside the running mate, Gani Audu.
Igbere TV had reported how the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City on Wednesday, disqualified the candidates of the APC over alleged infractions contained in the documents submitted to INEC by the Deputy Governorship candidate, Gani Audu.
In a statement forwarded to Igbere TV by the Edo APC Campaign Organization in reaction to the judgement, Ize-Iyamu described the ruling as “unfortunate and utterly wrong”.
“I have already instructed my Counsel to appeal against the judgment, as I am convinced that the Court of Appeal will dispassionately consider the facts presented before the Court and arrive at a just decision in accordance with the law,” he said.
He also urged his supporters in the state and beyond to remain calm and law-abiding, while expressing confidence that justice will prevail in the matter.
The tightly-contested Edo guber race remains subject of litigation over contended discrepancies in the academic credentials of the declared winner, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Politics / Re: Edo 2024: PDP Praises Shaibu For Withdrawing Lawsuit Against Obaseki by Edo2020: 9:42pm On Sep 07, 2023