The embattled Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu has rejected his impeachment by the state House of Assembly, describing it as illegal.
Bellnews earlier reported that the assembly impeached Shaibu on Monday following reports by Justice S.A.Omonua,- led seven-man panel investigating the impeachment petition against the deputy governor.
The panel in its reports said the allegation of perjury was not proven beyond reasonable doubt by the complainant against the Deputy governor while that of disclosure of government official documents was proven beyond reasonable doubt against the Deputy Governor.
Reacting to his impeachment, Shaibu in a broadcast shared on his official X handle, vowed to seek redress, saying “We will fight this injustice with every strength in us for the sake of Edo State and the future of Democracy”.
He said, “I denounce in the strongest terms the illegal impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly. This is not just an attack on me as an individual but on our very democratic principles.
“It is a threat to the foundation of our democracy. Let it be clear that this impeachment came because of my ambition to contest the 2023 Edo State Governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party PDP.
“An ambition that is a legal right to all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is a sad reality that those in power seem to silence opposition through illegitimate means. I have dedicated my love to serving the good people of Edo State with integrity and honesty”.
The former Deputy Governor alleged that the members of the State Assembly had “chosen to forsake their oath of office and participated” in his impeachment.
He said history “will judge you harshly for your betrayal of people who elected you to represent them”.