Nigerian Governor, deputy succession spat takes dramatic turn after lawmakers issue impeachment notice

An impeachment drama began on Wednesday in Benin, a historical city and capital of Edo, southern Nigerian state, after 21 out of 24 state lawmakers began the process against Phillip Shuaibu, the deputy governor of the state.

This was less than 24 hours after the state chapter of Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) warned against the plan.

Of course, the man behind the plot, according to CRPP is Governor Godwin Obaseki, the man whom Shuaibu has been having a political dispute with.

Shuaibu wants to succeed his boss.

But the governor has a different plan altogether and he has since backed a candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who went ahead to pick the part’s ticket.

Shuaibu is currently contesting the primaries in Court.

But on Wednesday, Majority leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian, announced the impeachment notice during plenary, saying that the petition dated March 5, was signed by 21 out of the 24 members against the deputy governor.

Aiguobarueghian stated that the number of members who signed the petition were more than the two- third requirement  stipulated in the constitution.

He also announced that the petition  was based on two grounds of perjury and revealing  of government secrets

The speaker of the house, Blessing Agbebaku who acknowledged receipt of the petition, directed the clerk of the house, Yahaya Omogbai to serve the impeachment notice on the deputy governor.

Agbebaku also gave the deputy governor seven days to respond to the notice of impeachment.

Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), Edo State, on Tuesday called on the Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to jettison his alleged impeachment plan against his deputy, Philip Shaibu and start preparing his hand over note for his successor.

The CRPP which made the call in a statement signed by its chairman, Dr. Samson Isibor and Secretary Barr. John Isidahome and made available to journalists in Benin said Shaibu has not committed any offense for choosing to contest the state governorship election.

He said Shaibu was only exercising his rights and that any plan to impeach him can only lead to crisis in the state.

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