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OPINION: Impeachment Notice On Edo Deputy Gov: A Case Of Abuse Of Office And Privilege

Published

2 years ago

March 11, 2024

Editor

Edo State House of Assembly on Wednesday ,6 March ,2024 moved a motion and issued a notice of impeachment on the deputy governor of Edo State, Hon.Philip Shuaibu.This course of action by the members of Edo State House of Assembly is quite simply an abuse of office and privilege.The members of the State House of Assembly were elected to defend the Constitution of Nigeria, protect the laws of the State and to also represent the interest of their Constituency.The motion for the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State does not fall into any of the categories stated above.

Abuse of office and the privileges that are associated with elected and appointed political office holders is a common feature that has frustrated the entrenchment of democratic norms in Nigeria.It is has become an acceptable dereliction for political office holders to abandon their Constitutional mandate and instead pursue an agenda of personal aggrandizement .In democratic and civilized nations, political office holders subordinate their personal interest to Constitutional demands.

The members of Edo State House of Assembly have brought disrepute on themselves for making the house available to support this odious agenda. Surely this set of events will not advance the cause of democracy in the jurisdiction. Indeed democracy in Edo state is under a vicious siege and Governor Obaseki is providing the guillotine for its mindless beheading. The only protocols now accepted, are those which serve the ever enlarging ego of a governor on the rampage.

Majority of the members of the Edo State House of Assembly are people of conscience and are not part of this political menace. However, the good nature of these members has been subverted by the overwhelming imperative of bread and butter politics and the need to survive.

Only the following factors can truly restore the confidence and good nature of the members of House of Assembly.
1.Internal democracy in the political parties that will guarantee a free and fair party primaries.The selection of party candidates by the governor or a godfather at the expense of the popular choice of political party members will continue to erode the confidence of the members to do what is right.
2.Free and fair election conducted by INEC to ensure that the electorate elect the representatives of their choice.
3.A Constitutional amendment that will guarantee the independence of the State House of Assembly.
4.A patriotic and democratically elected governor that will respect the integrity of the members and support the independence of the State House of Assembly.

The Constitutional provisions and procedure for the impeachment of a Deputy Governor are clearly stated .The nature of offense that the Deputy Governor should commit to warrant impeachment is equally stated in the Constitution.Aspiration to contest for the position of governor of Edo State and challenge against the conduct of primaries by a political party do not constitute a ground for impeachment.It is known that the Deputy Governor of Edo State is an aspirant for the governorship of Edo State on the platform of PDP.The people of Edo State are equally aware of the parallel result declared by the Deputy Governor of Edo State claiming to be the winner of a parallel primaries conducted by a faction of PDP.It is equally a fact that the Deputy Governor is already in court seeking the interpretation of the court and decision on the factional primaries that was conducted by the PDP.In a true democratic country,the action of Edo State House of Assembly will be interpreted as obstruction of justice.Obstruction of justice is a criminal offense.

The impeachment Notice is an abuse of office, disrespect for democracy and premeptive action by the Edo State House of Assembly to deprive Philip Shuaibu his right to fair hearing and justice.This act should not be encouraged and should be condemned by all persons that are interested in the survival of democracy and prosperity in Edo State.

The House of Assembly should make laws and pass resolutions for the welfare of the citizens and in defense of the Constitution and laws of the State.The House of Assembly should not be willing tools in the hands of the governor to advance his personal interest.

The abuse of office by Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State is known to the people of Edo State.The arrogant pursuit of his personal interest at the expense of the collective interest of the people of Edo State requires the urgent mobilization of a Grand Alliance of the people of Edo State to stop him from destroying the future of our dear State.

Edo State House of Assembly should pass a motion to direct the governor for the swearing ceremony of the Judges of Edo State High Court that have been appointed by the NJC for almost one year.A governor that is scheming to undermine the independence of the Judiciary and the House of Assembly cannot be a friend of the people of Edo State.Instead of pursuing personal political agenda of the governor, the House of Assembly should pursue a constitutional agenda that is in the interest of the people of Edo State.

A people or an assembly that thrives in the worship of money and immoral act for the advancement of personal interest will end up in failure.

Edo 2024 will be a contest between those that are in politics to serve and those that are in politics for business.Those who are in politics to serve think of the welfare of the people and fear the laws of the State .Those who are in politics for business for profit making will continue to fight to undermine the laws of the State, undermine the independence of the House of Assembly and the Judiciary.I represent the philosophy of Politics for service and Godwin Obaseki and his surrogates are clearly in politics for business and profit making.

Dr. Isaiah Osifo,
University Teacher and APGA Governorship Candidate, Edo ,2024.
Email: isaiahosifo@gmail.com

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.