TheCable

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo have criticised Philip Shaibu, deputy governor of the state, for approaching the court over an alleged impeachment plot against him.

In a suit filed at a federal high court in Abuja, the inspector-general of police, state security service, governor of Edo, speaker of Edo state house of assembly, and chief judge of Edo state, were listed as first to fifth defendants, respectively.

Shaibu asked the court to restrain the governor, the speaker of the state assembly, and the chief judge, from “initiating impeachment proceedings or sanctioning any impeachment” against him.

In a communique issued after a meeting on Sunday in Igueben LGA of the state, the party leaders, who are from Edo central senatorial district, expressed dismay at the “deteriorating relationship” between Obaseki and Shaibu.

In attendance were Tony Aziegbemi, Edo PDP state chairman; Tom Ikimi, former chairman, PDP board of trustees (BOT); Clifford Odia, former Edo central senator; Sergius Ogun and Joe Edionwele, two former house of representatives members, among others.

The leaders also passed a vote of confidence on Obaseki.

“The motion was unanimously passed by all the leaders in attendance on behalf of the party in Esanland,” the communique reads.

“The meeting noted with satisfaction the speedy and effective progress being made on the peace and reconciliation efforts.

“However, the deteriorating relationship between our Governor, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy Rt Hon Philip Shaibu, was noted with utmost dismay.

“The reason for this is our strong belief that the strongest consideration for making the choice is equity in addition to other factors related to competence and individual acceptability.

“From our interactions with our brothers from Edo South and Edo North, there is already a consensus that the next governor will emanate from Edo Central Senatorial District.

“Principally because it is on record that Edo Central has not legally produced a governor for our dear state since the inception of this democratic dispensation in 1999.

“Besides, we believe that the process of making such a choice can be achieved by the leadership of the party in a cordial and reasonable atmosphere rather than resorting to intimidation and blackmail.

“Moreover, we condemn in very strong terms, the act of resorting to court without exhausting the options provided in our party constitution for dispute settlement.

“In any case, the governor has confirmed that he has made no move to impeach his deputy and we believe him.

“We, therefore, urge the deputy governor to withdraw his suit forthwith and seek a political solution to the problem with his principal.”