The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, declared on Friday that he will remain in office until November 11, the date of the upcoming governorship election.
Shaibu’s statement came after an Abuja Federal High Court reaffirmed his position.
In an appearance on Arise TV’s morning show, Shaibu announced his return to the office and criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki for failing to pay him for the past year.
Shaibu stated, “I’m elected deputy governor of this state and the court has reaffirmed it. I will be deputy governor till November eleven, even when the governor has not paid. He has not paid for the last one year.
“I’m a law abiding citizen and I will go to the office this morning, if they want to stop me, they should.
“I will not do anything that would lead to the loss of life. I have been maintaining peace, the office of the deputy governor must be given it’s rightful respect.
“I will resume in the office and face my work, if he allows me to see him, I will and if not; I will face my work.”
In addition, Shaibu revealed that he considers himself an unofficial member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), having distanced himself from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He explained that his support for the APC’s governorship candidate is consistent with his personal choice, noting that party affiliations do not restrict one’s right to support any candidate.
Giving reasons for supporting the APC governorship candidate in Edo state, he said, “In PDP now, everybody can support whoever they like. On the issue of supporting a candidate, the constitution guarantees that you can support who you like and you can belong to any political party.”
