TOP STORIES:Senate Rejects Tinubu’s Request for Military Intervention in Niger.

IGP Egbetokun Restructures, Strengthens Monitoring Unit, X-Squad To Curb Corruption

The acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has restructured and strengthened the IGP Monitoring Unit and the X-Squad within the Police Force to ensure greater efficiency, sanity, and accountability.

The significant restructuring is sequel to the receipt of series of complaints and outcry from members of the public against high-handedness, extortion and inappropriate behaviours by Police personnel.

In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Friday, the IGP recognized the importance of upholding the highest standards of conduct and professionalism among police officers and men and aims to address any excesses or improper behaviour displayed by the police.

In the same vein, the Ag. IGP has directed the Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands to immediately establish Complaints Response Unit in their respective commands in line with the provisions of Section 131 (1) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, to compliment the efforts of the restructured IGP Monitoring Unit and X-Squad for better service delivery.

As part of the restructuring process, both units IGPMU and X-Squad, will undergo comprehensive reforms, including the integration of advanced technologies and training to equip their personnel with the necessary tools to carry out their statutory duties effectively.

The Units will be tasked with the crucial responsibility of overseeing and investigating complaints against police officers, ensuring that any misconduct or abuse of power is thoroughly addressed and such reported to the IGP for immediate sanctions, with a view to checkmate inappropriate behaviour among police personnel, most especially indiscriminate extortion of innocent Nigerians along our highways.

The IGP emphasizes that the restructured IGP Monitoring Unit and X-Squad will function independently and impartially, with a commitment to transparency and justice. Additionally, the units will work closely with other internal complaint units and external oversight bodies to foster an environment of accountability and to maintain public trust in the police force. Meanwhile, complaints and relevant information on police actions can be sent via the official email or phone number of the Unit –
igpmufhq@npf-c4i.com / 08036242591 or via the Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU) – 08057000001, 08057000002 or 08057000003(SMS/WhatsApp only).

The Inspector General of Police therefore calls upon all police officers to be aware of the wind of change cum paradigm shift, and fully cooperate with the IGP Monitoring Unit, X-Squad and other complaint sections to achieve their mandates without undue interference and hindrance from any quarters; and reaffirms the commitment of the Force to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, 5and respect for human rights in the discharge of police duties.

Similarly, the IGP has ordered the posting of CP Bartholomew N. Onyeka to Benue State Police Command and CP Julius Alawari Okoro to head the Plateau State Police Command as part of strategic efforts on improving security deployments and leadership in the areas.

War looms in Niger as Tinubu, ECOWAS, African Union’s deadline expires.

There is a lingering fear that a war may soon break out between Niger and its neighbouring countries as the ultimatum given to the Niger Republic military leaders to restore sacked President Mohamed Bazoum to power expires.

According to Nigerian Tribune, the defence chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have said all is set for a military intervention in Niger Republic even as they harped on a comprehensive approach that encompasses political, security and diplomatic dimensions in addressing the situation.

The Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) of ECOWAS countries made this known at the end of their three-day Extra Ordinary Meeting in Abuja.

ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, while speaking on the outcome of the meeting commended the military chiefs for taking time to produce a concept of operation for an eventual military intervention to restore constitutional order in Niger.

Musah said that all the elements that would go into any intervention had been worked out and were being refined, including the timing, resources needed and how, where and when to deploy such force.

He said that ECOWAS being a rule-based institution was determined to put an end to the military coup contagion in the region.

“But first, we are giving diplomacy every chance to succeed and there have been multiple approaches to the military Junta in Niger.

“The results of whatever has been achieved here will be presented very soon to the Heads of Central Government who will have the last say as to what we are going to do with regard to the situation in the Republic of Niger, provided that all diplomatic overtures do not yield result.

“So I want to, through this medium also appeal to the military in Niger to give peace a chance, and then think about their populations and do the right thing by immediately restoring constitutional order in their country.

“That is our message to them and if they don’t, then we will make them hand over to civilian authorities and that is the determination of ECOWAS and we want to send that message clearly across to all of them,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Kana, said that Nigeria was committed to restoring democracy in Niger, but said military option would be the last resort.

“Military option is the last option but the President has directed us, the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to come together with other ECOWAS members,” he said.

Earlier, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff and President of the committee, General Christopher Musa, had commended ECOWAS for standing firm for democracy, adding that the militaries of the member countries were firmly in support of their stand.

He said that the committee collectively recognised the gravity of the situation in Niger and the urgent need for a well coordinated response.
Musa added that they also examined the immediate implication of the coup and its potential ripple effects across the ECOWAS region.

“We have also deliberated on the broader implication for democracy, peace and stability in West Africa and pleased to note that our discussions have yielded valuable insights and actionable recommendations.
“We have acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses political, security and diplomatic dimensions.

“It is imperative that we translate our deliberations into concrete actions that effectively address the crisis and prevent a recurrence in the future.“Democracy is what we stand for and democracy is what we will sustain,” he said.

Musa said the military chiefs agreed that there was no alternative democratic principles and rule of law in the region, adding that the coup in Niger represented blatant disregard for the fundamental principles that underpin regional integration and stability.

“We must condemn such action and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to democracy,” he said, adding that regional security architecture should be strengthened to enhance collective response to security challenges.
According him, the meeting recognised the fact that the coup in Niger highlighted the fragility of the region.

“We must enhance intelligence sharing, joint training exercises and capacity building initiative among our defence and security forces to effectively combat threats to our collective security and enhance interoperability.

“We must intensify our diplomatic efforts to engage with all relevant stakeholders.
“Dialogue and negotiations should be at the forefront of our approach in resolving the crisis in the Republic of Niger.“We must engage the tranditional authorities, civil society, organisation and all the key actors to foster an inclusive and peaceful transition process,” he said.

The CDS said the meeting urged member states to hasten the implementation of the recommendations and translate them into tangible actions for quick solutions to the situation in Niger.

“Let us seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact and ensure that the Republic of Niger and the entire region can progress on the path of democracy, peace, and stability. “I urge you all to prioritise the implementation of recommendations that have been put forth during our deliberations.

“This requires a concerted effort and a sense of urgency. We must allocate the necessary resources, engage relevant stakeholders, and monitor progress to ensure that our decisions have a tangible impact on the ground,” he added.
Countries represented at the meeting included Togo, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Ghana, Gambia, Cote Devoir, Cape Verde and Benin while Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso were absent.

The Nigerian Customs also on Friday closed all borders with Niger Republic.

“It’s about Niger, not Bazoum- Nigeriens give reasons supporting Junta.

Nigeriens are standing by their military in political instability, economic sanctions and military threats until the French part with them, it appears.

On July 26, General Abdourahmane Tchiani led the military to usurp power from Mohamed Bazoum, and although Nigeriens do not expressly despise Bazoum, the overriding sentiment is that he dances to the tune of the French.

“He is not a Nigerien. His love for power is stronger than his love for Nigeriens,” Koonate Ib Malinke, a citizen of Niger Republic, said of Bazoum.

“Bazzoum’s masters continue to rob Niger without thinking about his fulfilment,” Sadam Adamou, who also referred to member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as puppets asked to attack Niger to protect French interests, told FIJ.

With the exception of ECOWAS member states Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, which have expressed support for the military government of Niger, ECOWAS has fired Niger with economic sanctions and is making preparations for military intervention to restore Bazoum as president and bring back democracy to Niger.

The position of the regional body has angered Nigeriens who took to the streets of Niamey on Friday to protest against the ECOWAS chairman, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria.

Tinubu has been very direct in his demands of the Nigerien military government.

“As the Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I state without equivocation that Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger and equally conveys the absolute resolve of leaders in our sub-region that we shall not waiver or flinch on our stand to defend and preserve constitutional order,” the Nigerian president said in a statement after news of the coup began to make rounds on July 26.

NORTHERN NIGERIAN SENATORS RESPONSE TO THE NIGER REPUBLIC COUP.

Northern Senators condemn Niger coup, caution against use of military power
…advocate diplomatic channel to address situation
…frown at economic, other sanctions.

We, the Northern Senators Caucus of the 10th Senate under the leadership of Sen. Abdul Ahmad Ningi, note with concern and condemn in its entirety the unfortunate development in Niger Republic, where the military forcefully upstaged a democratically elected government of President Mohammed Bazoum.

The Northern Senators also take cognizance of the efforts of the ECOWAS leaders under the chairmanship of our Dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in resolving the situation in Niger Republic. The emphasis, however should be focused on political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in Niger Republic.

We also take exception to use of the of military force until other avenues as mentioned above are exhausted as the consequences will be casualties among the innocent citizens who go about their daily business. Besides, about seven northern states who shared border with Niger Republic namely Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno will be negatively affected.

We are also aware of the situation of Mali, Burkina Faso and Libya, which may affect the seven Northern states, if military force is used. There is serious implication for our country, if military force is used without exhausting all the diplomatic channels.
As democrats and representatives of the people we are here by urging our colleagues to observe due diligence in invoking section 5 sub section (4) (a) and (b) of 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended.

Sen. Suleiman A. Kawu Sumaila, OFR, PhD.
Spokesperson
Northern Senators Forum.

I Might Send Soldiers to Niger, Tinubu Tells Senate.

President Bola Tinubu, who doubles as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, has written to the Nigerian Senate seeking a legislative support to deploy Nigerian army to Niger Republic.

Tinubu’s letter to the upper legislative chamber was read by Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, on Friday.

The president told lawmakers of his willingness to deploy military personnel to the neighbouring country to ensure the return of democracy.

He also said Nigeria would cut electricity supply to the country as part of ECOWAS’ sanctions.

FULL TEXT:

“Following the unfortunate political situation in the Niger Republic culminating in the overthrow of its President, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected government.

“In a bid to restore peace, ECOWAS convened a meeting and came out with a communique:

“Closure and monitoring of all land borders with the Niger Republic and reactivating of the border drilling exercise.

“Cutting off electricity supply to the Niger Republic; mobilising international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communique.

“Preventing the operation of commercial and special flights into and from Niger Republic; blockade of goods in transit to Niger, especially from Lagos and eastern seaports.

“Embarking on sensitisation of Nigerians and Nigeriens on the imperative of these actions, particularly via social media.

“Military build-up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant.”

A few days later, he hosted member states in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, where they issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Tchiani-led military government to restore Bazoum as President of Niger.

Nonetheless, Nigeriens continue to stand firmly with their military. “Bazoum has been removed from office,” Adamou said, adding that if he was held hostage, he wouldn’t be able to write to the US to seek intervention.

The majority of people seem to think of the coup as an opportunity to excommunicate France from Nigerien resources and territory.

“We have suffered, and I think that God has given us a chance to fight to gain this much-needed freedom,” one Adams Abd, a Nigerien, said.

“I think it’s time to look at this situation from a more critical angle. France firmly opposes the coup, but it holds a security council in Niger, which suggests that our fight will be rougher and nobler,” he said, adding that “with full sovereignty, we can go from last to first in Africa because we simply have ore, uranium, coal, oil, a fresh water reserve, etc. If everyone unites through the struggle for independence, these riches will be a blessing for us.”

“My Former President Bazoum, at the beginning of your tenure, you were on the right track to lead the country, but later you bonded with Europeans, what Nigeriens don’t like. But today, Nigeriens decided to end your regime. It’s not you we don’t like, but Tarraya’s regime. You must take destiny into your hands and leave the presidential palace with your dignity,” Moussa Sanoussi Aska, a Nigerien, commented on the president’s page on Friday after his plea for the United States intervention in Niger was posted.

“It’s about Niger, not Bazoum. I believe in my dearest country. But what hurts me the most is that some semi-intellectuals think it’s against them. It’s neither personal nor political this time. Let’s leave politics. The clock has ticked; there is no turning back. Let them understtand that Niger is not for PNDS or Bazoum. It is for the Nigerien people,” Abd-El Aziz Ousmane Magagi said.

Niger cuts diplomatic ties with Nigeria, recalls Ambassador.

The military government of Niger has severed its diplomatic relations with Nigeria over the ongoing crisis in the country.

Radio France International quoted one of the coupists to have said that Niger had broken down its relationship with France, United States of America and Togo, too.

“The functions of the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of the Republic of Niger to France, Nigeria, Togo and the United States are terminated,” the coupist was quoted to have said on national television.

Pressure continues to mount on the military junta from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore democratic order to the country.

Beyond the West African region, members of the international community have also vehemently opposed the new military government in the country.

However, the junta, led by General Abdourahmane Tiani, has remained unperturbed, threatening a brutal response to any aggression against its territory.

My Governor has been humiliating me- Deputy Governor cries out.

Edo State deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, has explained how the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, has been humiliating him in the last one month.

The deputy governor said the serial humiliation also got to the extent that his principal penciled down his name for impeachment to the State House of Assembly.

But he became relieved when the Federal High Court Abuja, which he sought for redress, ordered status quo ante belum pending when the respondents in the suit will be able to show cause why they should not be restrained.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed, in the certified true copy (CTC) of the motion which was seen on Friday, asked the plaintiff and the defendants to allow things remain the way they were before the suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/1027/2023 was filed.

The defendants are the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the State Security Service (SSS), the Edo State Governor, the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly and the Chief Judge of Edo State. QJustice Mohammed said: “It is hereby directed that parties shall maintain status quo ante bellum pending when the defendants have shown cause as directed by the court in its ruling of 27/07/2023.”

The judge directed the issuance of hearing notices in the IGP, SSS and the Governor (who were not represented in court by any lawyer) and adjourned till August 10.

Shuaibu said he incurred the wrath of the governor after expressing his interest to contest the next governorship election in the state on the platform of their party, the Peoples Democratic Party.
The deputy governor said that sequel to his public declaration to seek the PDP governorship ticket, Obaseki has been denying him opportunity to function in his official capacity, including threat to withdraw his security details.

He therefore sought, in the suit commenced via originating summons, for an order restraining Obaseki, the Speaker, the Chief Judge and their agents from taking steps to impeach him or constitute a seven-member panel to investigate him for the purpose of his removal from office.
He also prayed the court to issue an order restraining the IGP, SSS and the Governor from withdrawing the security details attached to him and his office.

Shuaibu, in the supporting affidavit, detailed the genesis of the friction between him and his principal, saying: “Sometime this year, I made clearly known my intention to contest for the post of Governor of Edo State upon the expiration of the tenure of the 3rd defendant (Obaseki) in the year 2024 with my experience as the Deputy Governor of the state for eight years.

“Ever since I made known my intention, the 3rd defendant was not pleased and openly told me to jettison any idea of succeeding him in office, to which I refused and has since then become his enemy.

“The 3rd defendant has been doing all he can to prevent me from carrying out my official functions as the Deputy Governor of the state and has ever since refused to involve me in all matters pertaining to the state administration of which I hitherto participated and acted creditably with commendation.”

Shuaibu listed instances when Obaseki and his agents allegedly prevented him from performing his official functions.

His words: “On Thursday, 13th July, 2023, a circular (letter) emanated from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to all MDAs that all Ministries, MDAs including Local Government Councils should henceforth deal with Mr. Governor, saddled with the responsibility of Internally Generated Revenue, which used to come through my office.

“The office of the 3rd defendant posted, as usual, the schedule of meetings of the Governor for Monday, 17th July 2023.
“Amongst the meetings for that day was the one scheduled for 11:00am with HOLGAs, bankers, tech partners, EIRS and Edo-GIS – which was to hold at the State Executive Chambers.

“Before the appointed time at the Exco Chambers, all the named persons and bodies, including the Deputy Governor and the SSG, were all seated.

“The said meeting for 11:00am at the State Executive Council Chambers however never held as the 3rd defendant did not come to the Chambers for the meeting, but the attendees, except the Deputy Governor, were invited into the Governor’s Office by the Chief of Staff to Mr. Governor for discussion and dispersed from there.
“Since that day, the Office of the Deputy Governor has not been receiving any schedule of the meetings and events of the 3rd defendant, contrary to the existing practice and procedure in Government House.

“On Wednesday, 19th July, 2023 it was when briefs for the State Executive Council Meetings were forwarded to my (Personal Private Secretary) that I knew that there would be Exco meeting that day at 11:00am for the meeting at 10:00am as no schedule of Mr, Governor was sent to my office as it used to be.

“On Friday, 21st July, 2023 at about 3:45pm, I was going for an engagement outside the office when my Protocol Officer called the Chief Detail to inform him that there was going to be Security Meeting at 4:00pm as I saw Security Officers and Commanders in the Government House premises which placed me on enquiry and I got to know of it.
“On 15th June, 2023, I was informed that there was going to be a meeting in the 3rd defendant’s house to determine the leadership of the House of Assembly, but when I got to the gate of the 3rd defendant’s house, the State Security personnel informed me that I was not invited to the meeting and would not be allowed into the meeting.

“I called the 3rd defendant over eight times on the phone, but he refused to pick my calls.
“The following day, the 16th of June, 2023 when I was to go to the Governor’s office, I met the gate between the two offices locked and on enquiry, the DSS personnel from the Governor’s office told my DSS personnel that they were under instruction from the 3rd defendant not to allow me in or open the gate for me.

“While trying to know what happened, there was a meeting at the instance of the former Deputy Governor, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, between the 3rd defendant, myself and Chief Mike Oghiadomhe.
“At the meeting the 3rd defendant alleged that the reasons for his actions were that I was dinning with his enemies and that the only way our relationship can come back to what it used to be was for me to go to the public space (media) to renounce my interest for Governorship of the state.

“In spite of the intervention of well-meaning stakeholders in Edo State, including the Oba of Benin, the 3rd defendant is hell bent on dealing with me and has vowed to use all machineries in his power to remove me from office as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

“The 3rd defendant has been holding meetings with key actors and players in Edo State Government, including the 4th defendant (Speaker) and other members of the Edo State House of Assembly, with a view to coming up with spurious allegations against me and using unconstitutional means to remove me as the Deputy Governor of Edo State by way of illegal impeachment and use the 5th defendant to perfect their plans with the setting up of a seven man panel of inquiry.”
Shuaibu added that his lawyer has told him that the Governor’s alleged action of instigating the IGP and SSS and their officers “to harass, intimidate, embarrass and prevent me from attending State Executive Council Meetings and carry out my functions as the Deputy Governor of Edo State is unconstitutional.

“I have committed no constitutional infraction for the 4th and 5th defendants (Speaker and Chief Judge) to be instigated by the 3rd defendant to commence impeachment proceedings against me.
“The deliberate refusal of the 3rd defendant to involve me in the Edo State Executive Council Meetings and carry out my responsibilities as the Deputy Governor of Edo State is unconstitutional and in breach of the constitutional provisions.
“Without the intervention of the court, plans have been perfected by the 3rd defendant to deal with me as he has vowed to remove me from office through his stooges in the state by commencing impeachment proceedings against me for no justifiable reasons,” Shuaibu said.
He is then praying the court for the following:

*A declaration that the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants lack the constitutional powers to harass, intimidate, embarrass and prevent the plaintiff from carrying out his constitutional duties as the Deputy Governor of Edo State in line with Section 193 of the Constitution.
*A declaration that the 4th and 5th defendants lack the constitutional powers to remove, commence impeachment proceedings or cause to be removed from office the plaintiff as the Deputy Governor of Ede State on any ground other than gross misconduct, as provided in Section 188 of the Constitution,
*A declaration that the deliberate refusal of the 3rd defendant to invite or involve the plaintiff in the Edo State Executive Council Meetings and functions is a violation of Section 193(2) of the Constitution,
*An order of injunction restraining the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants, their agents, servants, privies and assigns from harassing, preventing , embarrassing or intimidating or causing the harassment and prevention of the plaintiff from attending Edo State Executive Council Meetings and other meetings for the purpose of carrying out his constitutional duties as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

*An order of injunction restraining the 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants, their agents, servants, privies and assigns from embarking on any action plan or take any other step by commencement of impeachment proceedings or setting up a seven man panel of inquiry for the purpose of removing from office, the plaintiff as the Deputy Governor of Edo State on account of the 3rd defendant contrary to constitutional provisions.
*An order of injunction restraining the 5th defendant from acting on the instruction of the 3rd defendant or impeachment notice from the 4th defendant or any other person on their behalf with a view to removing from office, the plaintiff as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

*An order of injunction restraining the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants form withdrawing the security details or personnel attached to the plaintitt or his office as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

*An order of injunction restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants, their agents, servants, privies and assigns from disturbing, or preventing the plaintiff from freely entering his office or attending any executive function in Edo State or outside the state for the purpose of carrying his duties and functions as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

*An order of mandatory injunction directing the 3rd defendant to henceforth, issue the plaintiff with notices of meetings and involve the plaintiff in carrying out state executive functions as required by the plaintiff to carry out in line with constitutional provisions.

Shaibu, a former member of the House of Representatives, had been sighted at the National Assembly, Abuja to celebrate with his former colleagues there.
Shaibu had also used the occasion of his Abuja visit to celebrate with former Governor of the State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who was sworn in on that day as the Senator representing Edo North.

An official of the Edo State Government however said yesterday that Obaseki merely advised Shaibu to halt his 2024 governorship aspiration in order to let the administration focus on good governance.
The official, who asked not to be named, also claimed that the deputy governor became uncomfortable when he realised that the PDP zoning formula for the next governorship election would not favour him.

He further alleged that Shaibu has been holding talks with the leadership of the APC to prepare ground for his return to the party which he left together with Obaseki in the turbulent build up to the September 2020 governorship election.
The source said: “The pre-emptive move at the FHC, Abuja by Shaibu is meant to prevent his impeachment, and keep his position. From day one, he (Shaibu) never favoured Governor Obaseki’s move to the PDP, as he never bought the idea.
“He felt he would not be able to fulfill his governorship aspiration in the PDP.

Impeaching him has never been contemplated. So, it is a strategy by him to prevent it and keep his office while fighting to succeed Governor Obaseki.

“He (Shaibu) started his surreptitious move immediately after the 2023 presidential election by forming a campaign group in all the 192 wards of the 18 local government areas of Edo State.

He is driven by his inordinate ambition.
“Comrade Oshiomhole, who handed over to Governor Obaseki, is from Etsako West LGA in Edo North Senatorial District as Shaibu, and he wants his boss to hand over to him.

“What then happens to the five other LGAs in Edo North Senatorial District? The people of Edo Central Senatorial District are also agitating to produce the successor of Governor Obaseki, who hails from Edo South Senatorial District.

“Governor Obaseki told his deputy that it was not time for politics, so that governance would not suffer. He maintains that at the appropriate time, attention will be given to politics, but Shaibu is not ready for that, and wants governance to be abandoned for politics.

“His move is meant to force Governor Obaseki into the trenches. He has insisted on his boss supporting him as the next governor. By this move, he is just digging his grave, as there are no plans to impeach him.

“We are not prepared to dirty our hands with him (Shaibu). He has shown that he lacks the courage to approach Governor Obaseki, and discuss his ambition with him. Instead, he is going about it in a surreptitious manner.

“The move is a defensive mechanism by him (Shaibu). The only thing that Governor Obaseki has done is to insist on him following established government protocol, which he flagrantly breaches.

Reacting to the development yesterday, an APC chieftain in the Edo, Prince John Mayaki, said Shaibu was simply facing the law of Karma.

Mayaki said: “The sweet embrace of karma, a feast best savoured in solitary delight. As the curtains of fate unfurl and the cosmic scales tip with poetic precision, our protagonist, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr. Philip Shaibu, finds himself seated at the table of retribution, relishing the sumptuous banquet of karma, all to himself.

“Shaibu is dancing from political entanglements to the gleeful embrace of legal theatrics. A saga as curious as a cat chasing its own tail. It commenced with Shaibu pointing a finger at former Edo governor Oshiomhole, accusing him of plotting a gubernatorial eviction against Obaseki.

“The plot thickens, for our valiant deputy has embarked on a legal escapade that will make even the bard himself chuckle. With a swish of his metaphorical cape, he has chosen to forsake the local courts of Edo, for the grandeur of Abuja’s judicial arena, as if seeking refuge from political storm clouds beneath a different legal umbrella.

“Gone are the days of Edo’s courtroom melodies, as Shaibu sets his comedic sights on forum shopping, a maneuver worthy of a seasoned traveller navigating the bazaars of legal options.

“Like a knight seeking a magical shield, he has beseeched the courts in Abuja for protection against the impending storm of impeachment from Obaseki’s realm.”

Obaseki hits back at Edo deputy governor.

The Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has likened his embattled deputy, Hon. Philip Shaibu, to a spoilt child with the attitude of self-entitlement.

The governor stated this, days after his deputy filed a suit in Abuja Federal High Court seeking stop him (Obaseki) and the State House of Assembly from impeaching him.

This was contained in a statement issued by Mr. Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to the governor on media projects.

The statement added, “The rabble-rouser deputy governor has now taken his indiscipline and hubris to the zenith by trying to create crisis because of his inordinate and self-serving ambition to succeed the governor by all means, no matter whose ox is gored.

“Imagine a deputy governor who insists that all other vehicles on the governor’s convoy must be behind his own vehicle when he and the governor are travelling together.

“A particular driver in the governor’s convoy on a trip to a Niger-Delta State in 2020 was beaten to stupor under the supervision of the deputy governor and his wife, Maryann.

“His (driver) crime was that he dared to overtake Shaibu’s vehicle in order to catch up with the governor’s convoy, where he is supposed to be.”