‘Impeachment plot’ suit against Gov Obaseki withdrawn by Edo Deputy Governor

The deputy governor of Edo state, Philip Shuaibu, on Tuesday withdrawn a suit he filed against his principal, Godwin Obaseki.

Shaibu had prayed the court to restrain Obaseki, the speaker of the state assembly, and the chief judge, from “initiating impeachment proceedings or sanctioning any impeachment” against him.

In the suit filed at a federal high court in Abuja, the inspector-general of police, state security service, governor of Edo, speaker of Edo state house of assembly, and chief judge of Edo state, were listed as first to fifth defendants, respectively.

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, the deputy governor said due to intervention from “well-meaning citizens of Edo”, he has instructed his solicitors to withdraw the suit.

“Arising from the series of meetings held with me and also with Mr. Governor by well-meaning Edolites and indeed Nigerians including party leaders, traditional rulers, and my archbishop, His Grace Most Rev’d Dr. Augustine Akubeze, the Archbishop of Benin Archdiocese on the issues that led to my going to court on the above-named suit,” the statement reads.

“And with due respect to these eminent personalities and leaders whose persuasions and persons I cannot ignore, I, Rt. Hon. comrade Philip Shaibu have authorized and instructed my solicitors to withdraw the suit forthwith.

“I wish to sincerely thank and appreciate these well-meaning Nigerians, party leaders, traditional rulers, and my archbishop, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Akubeze for their kind words, advise and encouragement thus far in ensuring peace and unity in our dear state, Edo.

“I also wish to place on record my special thanks to Mr Governor, my boss and senior brother for this path of peace.”