Shaibu Secures Another Court Victory, Hails It as a Triumph for Democracy

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Tuesday upheld the Federal High Court’s ruling that reinstated Comrade Philip Shaibu as the deputy governor of Edo State, following his impeachment.

Shaibu described the court’s decision as a significant win for democracy and the judiciary. The appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by the Edo State House of Assembly, which sought to overturn the lower court’s ruling that nullified Shaibu’s impeachment.

Expressing his gratitude, Shaibu thanked God, the people of Edo State, and Nigerians for their support. “I am grateful to God and to the people of Edo, as well as Nigerians, for their prayers. Everywhere I go, people tell me they are praying for me,” Shaibu stated.

He added, “The prayers have been answered with the dismissal of the State House of Assembly’s appeal. By the grace of God, I will win all the cases against me. I have been oppressed and intimidated by anti-democratic forces, but this judgment is a victory for democracy and the judiciary. The judiciary remains the hope of the oppressed and the common man.”

Shaibu’s new party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, also celebrated the ruling. The APC said the court’s decision highlighted Governor Godwin Obaseki’s disregard for due process and the 1999 Constitution.

In a statement issued by the APC’s state publicity secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, the party congratulated Shaibu on his victory and called it a reflection of the party’s commitment to democracy. “This victory shows Governor Obaseki’s insensitivity to due process and the rule of law,” the statement read.

The APC further expressed its support for Shaibu, acknowledging his return to the party and his efforts in defending democratic values. The party emphasized that despite his past affiliation with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Shaibu’s achievements in politics remain recognized both within and outside Edo State.

Efforts to get a comment from a member of the Edo State House of Assembly were unsuccessful. However, a senior government official mentioned that the state government was reviewing the judgment and would decide on its next steps.