- By Halimah Olamide
Impeached Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu has said his removal was because of his ambition to contest the governorship election in the state.
Shaibu said his ambition is his right and that causing his impeachment because of it is a “dangerous descent into dictatorship.”
“It is with a heavy heart, yet a resolute spirit that I come before you to address the recent events that have unfolded within our dear state.
“I denounce, in the strongest terms, the illegal impeachment by the Edo state House of Assembly over trumped-up charges. This is not just an attack on me as an individual, but on the very democratic principles that we hold dear.
“It’s a dangerous descent into dictatorship, a threat to the foundation of our democracy.
“Let it be clear that this impeachment was hatched because of my ambition to contest the Edo governorship election 2024 under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.” The impeached deputy governor vowed to fight the impeachment with the last atom of strength he has adding that the legal system will expose the injustice perpetrated against him.
He said his impeachment was done with blatant disregard for the rule of law, saying those who removed betrayed the trust people of the state reposed in them.
He called on Edo people and other Nigerians who believe in democracy to stand with him in this time tyranny.
“We must resist the forces that seek to undermine our freedom and trample upon of our rights” he said
Shaibu said history will be harsh on members of the House who carried out the impeachment saying the betrayed the people who put them in the lawmaking house.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the people saying he will not be intimidated.
“I stand firm in my resolve to see justice done,” he said in his broadcast.
Watch Shaibu in the video below:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1777293142070333737