On Tuesday, Musa Ebomhiana, the Chief Press Secretary for Philip Shaibu, the recently reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, firmly rebutted allegations labeling Shaibu as an impostor, deeming such assertions a direct insult to the judiciary.
The controversy erupted following a statement from Chris Nehikhare, the state’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, who labeled Shaibu an impersonator in response to the deputy governor’s announcement on X.com regarding his return to office after a court ruling.
Ebomhiana, in his official statement, took issue with Nehikhare’s remarks, asserting, “We have noted the statement made by Chris Nehikhare, where he branded Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu as an impostor. This claim is not only disrespectful to the judiciary but also contravenes the legitimate court ruling issued on July 17, 2024, by Hon Justice James Omotosho of the FCT Federal High Court.”
He further emphasized that the comments were offensive to the citizens of Edo State, who had voted overwhelmingly for the Obaseki-Shaibu ticket during the 2020 gubernatorial elections. “It’s important to clarify that the Edo people did not elect Marvellous Omobayo as their deputy governor. Omobayo is merely a political appointee of Governor Obaseki, imposed upon the state.”
Ebomhiana suggested that Nehikhare, unless intentionally mischief-making, should recognize that Omobayo is the true impostor for claiming the title of Deputy Governor, as he was never elected to the position.
He cited legal principles regarding the respect for court judgments, stating, “Judicial wisdom has established that filing for a stay of execution on a court’s declarative judgment doesn’t negate the enforcement of that judgment. Both parties are obliged to comply with the ruling until the court determines the stay of execution.”
He expressed disappointment at what he described as blatant executive lawlessness from the Edo State Government, remarking, “When the head is corrupt, one cannot expect anything better from the rest of the body. Governor Obaseki has shown a consistent disregard for the judiciary and its rulings.”
Ebomhiana criticized Obaseki’s alleged belief that he can bypass the law, claiming the governor has been heard boasting that Omobayo will remain his deputy until the end of his term.“Since the court’s July 17 decision reinstating Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, Obaseki has acted as if he is above the law,” he added.
