The impeached deputy governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has said that his impeachment was illegal, and is a threat to the foundation of democracy.
Shaibu, who was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly on Monday, claimed that the House put trumped up charges against him simply because he wanted to exercise his constitutional rights by running for the 2024 Edo State governorship election.
In a video that was released on Monday, Shaibu said, “I denounce, in strongest terms, the illegal impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly over trumped-up charges. This is not just an attack on me as an individual, but on the very democratic principle that we hold dear. It’s a dangerous descent into dictatorship and a threat to the foundation of our democracy.
“Let it be clear that this impeachment was hatched because of my ambition to contest for Edo State 2024 governorship election under the People’s Democratic Party PDP, an ambition that is a legal right to all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Referring to the charges levelled against him, the former deputy governor said, “The allegations brought against me are nothing more than a smoke screen to conceal the true motive behind this impeachment. It’s a flagrant abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust that the people of Edo have placed in their elected officials.
“We refuse to stay inactive while our democratic institutions manipulate and exploit for personal gain. We will fight this injustice with every iota of strength in our being for the sake of the people of Edo State and the future of democracy.”
Shaibu then said, “I call upon all well meaning citizens of Edo, and indeed all Nigerians who believe in the principle of democracies and justice to stand with us in this moment of crisis. We cannot allow tyranny and oppression to take root in our society. We must resist the forces that seek to undermine our freedom and trample upon our rights.
“To the members of Edo’s House of Assembly who have chosen to forsake their oath of office and participate in this charade, I say this, history will judge harshly for your betrayal of the people who elected you to represent their interest. But know this, you do not have the power to silence the voice of justice and truth.
“I call upon the judiciary and all relevant authorities to intervene and uphold the principles of justice and fairness. Let the truth prevail over lies. Let the rule of law triumph over lawlessness. I am confident that the legal system will vindicate me and expose the sham that has been orchestrated against me.
“I want to reaffirm my commitment to the people of Edo State, to the values that bind us together as a collective. I will not be deterred or intimidated by those who seek to subvert our democracy. I will continue to fight for the right and freedom of all Edolites, by extension, Nigerians that suffer oppression. I will stand firm in my resolve to see justice done.”
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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