As the Edo State House of Assembly continues the impeachment process against the State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, the national leadership of the Catholic lay groups in Nigeria has visited the lawmakers to plead for soft landing for the embattled Deputy governor.
OsunDailyNG reports that the visit by the Catholic groups to the House of Assembly came in less than 72-hours after Revered Father Andrew Obinyan advised Governor Godwin Obaseki to appeal to members of the Assembly to discontinue the impeachment process.
The groups’ statement addressed to the speaker of the house dated March 11, 2024 was titled, “Request for Dialogue and Peace Regarding Impeachment Notice to the Deputy Governor”.
The statement signed by nine different groups under the Catholic lay groups in Nigeria was copied to Most Reverend Augustine Akubeze, Archbishop of Benin City, Most Reverend Donatus Ogun, Bishop of Uromi Diocese and Most Reverend Gabriel Dunia, Bishop of the Auchi Diocese.
The spokesperson of the groups, Steve Apologun, the Benin Provincial President, Catholic Men Organisations appealed for caution in the impeachment process to ensure that the legislator’s responsibilities are not perceived as a political witch-hunt against the Deputy governor due to his political disagreement with the governor.
Apologun said the visit to the leadership of the Edo State of Assembly was part of the reconciliation process initiated by Reverend Augustine Akubeze. He said in the reconciliation process initiated by Akubeze, there was a mutual agreement for the Deputy Governor to withdraw the legal action that sought to halt the initial alleged impeachment process.
He, however, added that the group was saddened by the current impeachment process, which is perceived by the public as a political witch-hunt. According to him, this perception reflects disrespect towards our Archbishop and the intervention of other respected religious and traditional leaders in the state.
“We call for a careful approach on this matter with a focus on dialogue and peace, rather than creating further tension in the state.
“Our Chief Shepherd, His Grace, Most Reverend Augustine Akubeze, Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, has tirelessly worked towards promoting peace and reconciliation between His Excellency, the governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki and His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Rt.Hon.Comrade Philip Shaibu.
“We humbly request your intervention and alignment with the peace process initiated by our Archbishop and other respected leaders within and outside the state.
“We pray for wisdom and discernment in your decision-making process and encourage you to consider this appeal with utmost seriousness and take the necessary steps towards fostering unity, collaboration, and progress for the benefit of Edo State and its people”, he said.
