The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has strongly refuted claims labeling him as an impostor, a term used by the state’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare. The statement was made shortly after Shaibu resumed his duties as the Deputy Governor of the state.
Shaibu, responding through his Chief Press Secretary, Musa Ebomhiana, expressed deep concern over Nehikhare’s remarks, describing them as an affront to the judiciary and a blatant disregard for the legal processes that reinstated him.
He noted that the accusations are not only misleading but also undermine the authority of a valid court ruling.
He said, “Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, describing the state Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu as an impostor.
“To say the least, the statement, in its entirety, is an affront to the judiciary, and a clear violation of a valid court order of July 17, 2024, as delivered by Hon Justice James Omotosho of the FCT Federal High Court.
“We also view it as an insult to the people of Edo State who overwhelmingly voted for the Godwin Obaseki/Philip Shaibu joint ticket in the governorship election of September 2020.
“It’s a known fact that the Edo people never voted for Marvellous Omobayo as their deputy governor. It’s also a known fact that in the eyes of the law, Omobayo is only a political appointee of Governor Godwin Obaseki who imposed him on the people of Edo State.
“So, Nehikhare should know, except if he wants to be mischievous, Omobayo is the impostor who should stop parading himself as the Edo State Deputy Governor because he was never voted for.”
