The Edo State chapter of the Conference of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has voiced its vehement disapproval of the recent impeachment of former Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu by the State House of Assembly.

Dr. Samson Isibor, the Chairman of the Edo CRPP, expressed profound disappointment over Shaibu’s removal, asserting that it did not align with the aspirations of the people of Edo State.

Advertorial

Isibor specifically criticized Chief Judge Justice Daniel Okungbowa for presiding over the panel that investigated the allegations against Shaibu, suggesting that the process was rushed and unfairly biased against the former deputy governor.

“This goes against the wishes of the people of Edo State. The impeachment of the deputy governor is illegitimate and should not be upheld,” Isibor emphasized.

He highlighted the rapid pace of the impeachment proceedings, spanning only three days, as indicative of preconceived bias. Isibor described the process as a mockery and raised doubts about its integrity.

Responding to inquiries regarding Shaibu’s absence before the panel, Isibor stated, “His appearance would have implied acceptance of their actions.

The court had directed all involved parties to present their arguments regarding Shaibu’s attempt to halt his impeachment.”

The Edo CRPP contended that Shaibu’s removal was unwarranted, branding it as politically motivated vendetta. “We strongly condemn the purported impeachment of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu; it reeks of political vendetta.

It was a premeditated scheme by Obaseki to ensure Shaibu’s removal at any cost,” Dr. Isibor added.

According to the Edo CRPP, Shaibu did not engage in any impeachable offense. “We hold the Chief Judge of Edo State accountable for allowing himself to be manipulated by Obaseki to disregard a high court summons.”

“We also criticize the outgoing Governor Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly for intimidating and expelling a court bailiff.”

“We commend Comrade Shaibu for abstaining from the illegitimate panel. By doing so, he would not have legitimized the unlawfully constituted panel in defiance of the court’s order,” the CRPP affirmed.

The organization urged Shaibu to pursue his legal case, asserting his right to reclaim the mandate bestowed upon him by the people of Edo State, which was unjustly curtailed by Obaseki.

“The CRPP stands firmly behind him, offering unwavering support throughout the ordeal,” the organization reaffirmed.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, affirms a significant reduction in the cost of governance during his tenure of the past 10 months, declaring a clampdown on frivolous spending within his administration.

Speaking during his monthly media interaction at the Government House in Umuahia, Otti emphasized a strict adherence to necessary expenditures only.

Asserting financial prudence, Otti revealed that his government has not resorted to borrowing for ongoing road projects across the state, attributing the funding to streamlined governance costs.

Advertorial

He underscored his commitment to utilizing Abia State funds solely for the benefit of the state, citing effective resource management and expenditure control as driving factors.

Addressing concerns over the state’s debt profile, Otti criticized his predecessor for increasing the debt burden without tangible development outcomes.

Refuting claims of additional borrowing under his administration, Otti pointed to the Debt Management Office’s report, which excluded Abia from the list of borrowing states, thus discrediting opposition allegations.

Regarding pension arrears, Otti assured retirees of prompt payment, highlighting the clearance of a substantial portion of the accumulated debt. He disclosed that N10 billion was allocated for pension arrears settlement, with N9 billion disbursed to 12,500 verified pensioners to date.

Otti emphasized adherence to equitable payment distribution in line with agreements reached with pensioner representatives.

He reiterated his commitment to accountable governance, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, debt management, and pensioner welfare as key priorities of his administration.

Stakeholders convened on Monday and unanimously endorsed the establishment of a Transition Committee tasked with overseeing the affairs of the Labour Party and orchestrating a national convention within the next three months.

The committee, comprising members representing diverse segments of the Labour Party, is set to be unveiled following the conclusion of the Eid-el-Fitr holidays.

This decision was reached during a Stakeholders meeting organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Political Commission in Abuja.

In a released statement following the meeting, stakeholders discredited the previously held national convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, deeming it insignificant and devoid of legitimacy.

The communique read: “Owing to the current vacuum in the leadership of the Labour Party, the NLC Political Commission consequent on its status in the Constitution of the Labour Party as a registered trustee of the Labour Party, a status that was further buttressed by a Federal High Court Consent Judgement delivered on March 20, 2018 by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, convened this Stakeholders meeting to address the leadership void in the Labour Party and to discuss the repositioning of Labour Party to deliver its mandate as the political vehicle for the emancipation of Nigerian workers and people.

Advertorial

“Resolutions of the Stakeholders’ Meeting

“The Stakeholders Meeting noted the vacuum in the leadership of the Labour Party following the expiration of the supposed tenure of the immediate past National Working Committee of the Labour Party.

“The Stakeholders Meeting affirmed and validated the intervention of the Nigeria Labour Congress through her Political Commission as the only body recognised by the Constitution of the Labour Party and Justice Kolawole’s Consent Judgement to act as trustee in a situation of leadership vacuum as is currently the case in the Labour Party.

“The Stakeholders Meeting following the unanimous adoption of a motion moved to accept the recommendations made in the address by the NLC Political Commission Chairman resolved that in order to reposition the Labour Party from a mere platform for contesting elections to a viable political vehicle for the emancipation of Nigerian workers and people the following steps must be taken immediately:

“Constitution of a Transition Committee under the leadership of the NLC Political Commission and working with all stakeholders with a mandate to set up structures at national, state, local government and ward level for the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive national convention of the Labour Party.

“The Stakeholders Meeting passed a vote of no-confidence on the purported Labour Party national convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State and regards as inconsequential the leadership that claims to have emerged from the illegal Nnewi Convention.

“That the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all the relevant security organisations in Nigeria are hereby notified and should be officially written immediately to recognise the Transition Committee as the interim leadership of the Labour Party pending the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive National Convention of the Labour Party.

“That the Transition Committee once constituted should fully take over the secretariats of the Labour Party all over Nigeria.

“That the Transition Committee shall immediately set up an assets recovery process of all the properties of the Labour Party. The Transition Committee shall also ensure that all the cases of fraud, impersonation and forgery of government documents pending against a few discredited former officers of the Labour Party are forensically audited and culprits are diligently prosecuted as demanded by leader of the Labour Party – Mr. Peter Obi. It is unfortunate that the actions of these few dishonourable characters have splashed mud on the white satin of Labour Party.

“That the Transition Committee shall within three months of its constitution ensure the conduct of an inclusive national convention of the Labour Party starting from ward congresses to local government congresses to state congresses culminating in an all-inclusive and expansive National Convention in Abuja.

“Pursuant to the foregoing, the Transition Committee is mandated by the Stakeholders Meeting to begin the process of revalidation of current members of the Labour Party and the registration of new members through the issuance of new membership cards and receipt of membership dues for the purpose of the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive national convention of the Labour Party. It is expected that this mobilisation drive will yield in the first instance a total membership strength of 10 million

“Labour Party card carrying members drawn from across all workplaces, marketplaces, professional groups, ethnic and religious organisations that Nigerian workers and people belong to.

“The Stakeholders Meeting recognises, affirms and commends the support of critical stakeholders in the Labour Party for their continued support and faith in Labour Party. We promise that your steadfast solidarity will surely count!

“Finally, we reiterate that the Labour Party is a Party for all Nigerians regardless of ethnic, religious, regional, social and economic orientation or status.”

The communique was signed by Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku For: Chairman, NLC Political Commission, Comrade Abdulwahed Omar, former President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Sylvester .O.Z. Ejiofor Chairman, Board of Trustees, Labour Party and Engr. Gambo Daniel Balarabe National Coordinator.

Others were, Dr. Moses Paul (Mo) Coordinator, Obidient Movement, Chief Yohana Yilpwan Margif Labour Party Plateau State Governorship Candidate,

Dr. Kingsley Oghogho Okundaye Coordinator, LPPMC, Hon. Jonathan Asake Kaduna State Labour Party Governorship Candidate and Barr. Ihekwoaba Paul, for Disabled Persons in Labour Party.

Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has strongly criticized the members of the Edo State House of Assembly for his impeachment on Monday.

Shaibu, who has been at odds with Governor Godwin Obaseki, was ousted from office by the lawmakers following the adoption of a report by a seven-man investigative panel probing allegations of misconduct against him.

Advertorial

In response to his removal, Obaseki swiftly announced the appointment of a 38-year-old engineer as the new deputy governor.

Expressing his disdain for the impeachment, Shaibu accused the lawmakers of betrayal and subversion of justice, warning that history would harshly judge them for their actions.

In a video posted on his social media account shortly after the impeachment, Shaibu condemned the Assembly members for forsaking their oath of office and urged the judiciary and relevant authorities to intervene to uphold the principles of justice and fairness.

He attributed his impeachment to his ambition to contest the Edo Governorship election in 2024 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as a legal right.

Shaibu labeled the impeachment as an attack on democratic principles and a dangerous descent into dictatorship, emphasizing that it threatened the foundation of democracy.

Addressing the people of Edo State, Shaibu expressed gratitude for their support during the challenging circumstances and vowed to challenge his impeachment through legal means.