A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, John Asekhauno has alleged that there is a plan to impeach the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.
Asekhauno in a statement released on Wednesday condemned the alleged harassment of Shaibu by his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki at recent state functions.
The PDP chieftain claimed that the reported harassment is an affront to democracy, an assault on political legitimacy, and a grave violation of the rights of an elected official.
Speaking on the claim by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, that the deputy governor does not like attending state functions, Asekhauno noted that Shaibu was seated an hour before the arrival of Governor Obaseki.
Asekhauno, who said he is an eyewitness, noted that Shaibu upon realizing that his media aides were not in the event had to confirm what was happening.
He noted that on getting to the entrance of the venue, he was surprised that all his media aides were outside as the security personnel to the governor wouldn’t allow them access into the hall because they claimed they were not accredited to be part of the media crew covering the event.
The PDP chieftain said, “I suspect that all the efforts by Philip Shaibu to get his media aides into the hall, which the security details of the governor rebuffed, may have been the reason he stormed out of the venue as he felt he was not needed there. So, the narrative by the Commissioner that the deputy governor does not like attending state functions is an attempt to malign him, and the stoppage of his media aides may have been orchestrated to get the Deputy Governor to react to gather impeachment offences against him.”
Recalling the incident of Sunday, 27th August, where in a viral photograph, a security detail of Governor Obaseki was seen at an interdenominational service at the Festival Hall of the Government House, preventing the deputy governor from greeting his principal, the PDP chieftain said that “such actions not only degrade the dignity of those involved but also cast a negative shadow on the efforts towards building a united Edo State, and I think the good people of Edo state deserve leaders who prioritize the welfare of the citizens over personal animosity.”
Asekhauno called on Governor Obaseki to adhere to the principles of democratic governance and lead by example.
He emphasized that political differences should be resolved through constructive dialogue, not by resorting to power plays or harassment.
The PDP Chieftain called on all stakeholders to work towards fostering an inclusive and collaborative political environment for the benefit of all Edo residents.
Asekhauno further demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged incident to ensure that those responsible for the harassment face appropriate consequences.
He stressed the need for accountability and transparency in governance, urging the state’s leadership to focus on fulfilling their campaign promises instead of engaging in political hostilities.
