By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
The Edo State House of Assembly has removed its Deputy Governor, Philip Shuaib.
A new Deputy Governor, Godwin Omobayo has been appointed and will be sworn in soon. He is 37 years old.
Omobayo is Yoruba from Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the Edo State.
He is a graduate of the University of Benin where he bagged Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and Electrical Electronics Engineering.
He also has Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Benin.
Omobayo was Senior Maintenance Engineer at Dresser Wayne West Africa Limited. He had never held any political office in Edo State. It is believed that his selection was informed by the need to appoint someone that would not ruffle the feathers.
This brought to and end the months long feud between the Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his enstranged former Deputy.
Shuaib, a former students Union leader and former Deputy Governor was removed after 18 lawmakers voted in favour while one abstained.
The removal further confirmed the authority and supremacy of Governors over the affairs of states in Nigeria.
The feud between the two figures was fueled by the coming gubernatorial race.
Shuaib wanted to replace Obaseki who already has his own anointed candidate.
Before his removal, a seven-member judicial panel was earlier set up by the Chief Judge of the State
At the plenary, the House member Charity Aiguobarueghian said the panel set up indicted Shuaib.
Aiguobarueghian is the majority leader of the House.
He said the former Deputy Governor was acquitted on charges of pejury.
