The Lagos State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a statement encouraging Mr. Philip Shaibu, the impeached Edo Deputy Governor, to remain loyal to the party, citing the possibility for him to assume the gubernatorial position in the state.
Mr. Philip Aivoji, the chairman of PDP Lagos State, used an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday to call for action in response to Shaibu’s impeachment by the House of Assembly.
The impeachment of Shaibu by the Edo House of Assembly on Monday, as reported by Africa Today News, New York, came after the approval of the recommendation made by a seven-member judicial panel headed by retired Justice Stephen Omonua.
In a statement, the Lagos State arm of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) encouraged the recently impeached Edo Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, to exhibit patience and loyalty to the party, affirming that he still holds the potential to attain the governorship role in the state.
Mr. Philip Aivoji, the Chairman of PDP Lagos State, took the opportunity during a press interview in Lagos on Tuesday to make this appeal, responding to Shaibu’s impeachment by the House of Assembly.
Africa Today News, New York, has learned that Shaibu’s impeachment by the Edo House of Assembly on Monday was a result of the adoption of the recommendation proposed by a seven-man judicial panel led by retired Justice Stephen Omonua.
Tensions flared between Shaibu and Gov. Godwin Obaseki when Shaibu indicated his interest in succeeding the governor, resulting in a parallel party governorship primary in February.
As a result of Shaibu’s ousting, Obaseki swiftly named and administered the oath of office to Mr. Omobayo Godwin, aged 38, as his replacement deputy.
Read also: Shaibu, Edo State Ex Deputy Gov Ouster Illegal- CRPP Boss
Aivoji stressed that Shaibu’s loyalty to the party should remain unwavering, advising him against contemplating departure from the party under any circumstances.
He said that Shaibu could still become the governor of the state with perseverance and patience.
“What we are concerned about is winning Edo back for PDP. The impeached deputy governor needs to be patient and hand over everything to God.
“Whatever happens, no one ever can tell, he (Shaibu) can still become the governor in a future. He should not leave the party.
“That is my advice because it is the party that brought him up. When he became the deputy governor, there were millions of people who could have become the deputy governor before the party picked him.
“Since this has happened, he should look for a way of mending fences to actualise his dream of becoming the governor. He can still become the governor,” he said.
On whether or not the impeachment of Shaibu would affect the fortune of the party in the Sept. 21 governorship election in the state, Aivoji said he didn’t think so.
“If it would affect, they (the lawmakers) would not have taken that decision, ” he said.
Aivoji appealed to the Edo chapter of the PDP to tighten their grip and seal off any avenues that could undermine their prospects in the election.