Former deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, on Friday commemorated the first anniversary of the Federal High Court judgement that nullified his impeachment and reinstated him as deputy governor.
Speaking at a press conference in Benin City, Mr Shaibu described the impeachment saga of 2024 as one of the darkest periods in the state’s political history, insisting the move was orchestrated by then-Governor Godwin Obaseki for political reasons.
Shaibu, who now serves as the director general of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), said although his impeachment was ultimately voided by the court, the damage it did to democratic institutions and public confidence in governance was significant.
“It wasn’t just about removing me,” Shaibu said.
“It was about subverting our institutions and betraying the will of the people.”
The former deputy governor was controversially impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly in 2024 after a protracted fallout with Obaseki.
The court, however, declared the process illegal and ordered his reinstatement, ruling that due process was not followed.
“That judgment was a beacon of hope,” he said.
“It proved that democracy, though fragile, can prevail when truth and justice are upheld.”
Shaibu accused the Edo State Legislature of being complicit in what he called a politically motivated scheme, claiming the House was reduced to a “rubber stamp” for personal vendettas.
“The instrument of impeachment was bastardized,” he said.
“It was not used for accountability but for vendetta. The will of the people was hijacked by a clique.”
Shaibu added that many Edo citizens reached out to him during the ordeal with expressions of fear and disillusionment about the future of democratic accountability.
“People said to me, ‘If they can do this to you, what hope do we have?’ That was the deepest wound of all,” he said.
He used the occasion to thank his legal team, family and loyal supporters who stood by him throughout the court battle.
He also reiterated his belief in the judiciary, describing it as the last hope of the common man.
“Justice may be delayed, but it can never be permanently denied,” he said.
In a message directed at those who orchestrated the impeachment, Shaibu declared, “No one is bigger than the law. The will of the people cannot be silenced.”
Now in a federal role at the National Institute for Sports, Shaibu expressed his commitment to public service and called on citizens and leaders to defend democratic values.
“Let’s build institutions, not empires. Let’s lead with humility, not hubris,” he said.
“The dream of a better Edo, and a better Nigeria, is still alive.”
