A Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Andrew Obinyan, has advised Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki to appeal to members of the State House of Assembly to discontinue the impeachment process against his deputy, Philip Shaibu.
OsunDailyNG reports that the priest, who is in charge of St. Francis Catholic Church on Ekenwa Road in Benin City, made the appeal in a statement addressed to Governor Obaseki, titled, “Between Empathy and Impeachment for Your Deputy.”
In the statement personally signed by him and made available to newsmen in Benin City on Sunday, the priest said he made the personal appeal to the governor because he regards him as a civilized and enlightened man.
He also advised the governor, stating, “May it not be in the annals of Edo Political History that there was once a Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, impeached under your watch for his aspiration.”
He opined that such an action would be perceived as a sting of “betrayal” and it would invariably redefine “Loyalty and Aspiration” as antithetical.
According to him, “Please, don’t get me wrong, because this is far more polite than you can imagine. This is the kernel of my entreaty.
“Leave your deputy alone to deal with his issues and resolve them without initiating impeachment. Reconciliation is always a prosperous option.
“Listen to your kind heart. I am not insinuating he must be governor. Yet, we cannot justify an impeachment without putting a wedge on the path of positive advancement in other spheres of life.
“Please, Mr. Governor, talk to the Edo State House of Assembly to discontinue the impeachment process.
“Honourable Members must ensure that legislation prohibits any move that bears the semblance of retaliation. Do yourselves a favor because you don’t know the next victim in sudden political twists and turns.
“Dear Mr. Governor, here is the point: Bear with Comrade Philip Shaibu, not for his sake but for the sake of your own indomitable spirit. What I see in you is what I see in your Deputy – a resolute spirit.
“We often say only God can determine who gets power. This saying should not be personalized and meaningful only when it is to our advantage.
“When you were at your lowest point and facing your political trials, your rock bottom foundation was the support from Edo people and your deputy, who you used to call your brother.
“I am pleading. Your silence has been golden. Continue to be a big brother to him. Feel for the number two man who seeks power so passionately and determinedly without your support.
“A man whose level of determination makes him literally stressed out, worried, burdened, spending strength and resources, deserves empathy not impeachment,” he said.
