The African Action Congress (AAC) on Monday kicked against the impeachment of the deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, by the state House of Assembly.
Speaking for the party, its gubernatorial candidate in the forthcoming election in Edo State, Dr. Udoh Oberaifo, noted that due process was not followed in the deputy governor’s impeachment.
Recall that News About Nigeria reported that Shaibu was impeached on Monday for “revealing government secrets”.
Following his impeachment, the state assembly replaced him with Marvellous Godwins Omobayo, who is now the new deputy governor of Edo State.
In a statement in response to Shaibu’s impeachment, Oberaifo stated that Shaibu was not given a fair hearing and described the impeachment as a blatant disregard for the principles of justice.
He further noted that “of particular concern is the fact that the impeachment proceeded despite a pending case filed by the deputy governor at the Federal High Court. This legal action should have warranted the status quo, yet the impeachment was carried out regardless, casting doubt on the motives behind the hurried proceedings.”
While condemning Shaibu’s impeachment, the AAC flagbearer added that his abrupt removal from office was a clear display of political manoeuvring and godfatherism.
He, therefore, warned against godfatherism, noting that it is gradually permeating Edo politics and, if not checked, will become the order of the day.
Speaking on the new deputy governor of the state, the AAC candidate alleged that he is a card-carrying member of the Labour Party and was yet to resign his membership as at the time he was sworn in.
“This action is in clear violation of the Electoral Act 2022 and it underscores the connivance between the LP and PDP to consolidate power,” he alleged.
