From Moshood Karim
Sequel to the impeachment of the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philips Shaibu, Mr. Omobayo Marvellous Godwins, 38 has been sworn-in as the new deputy governor by the Chief Judge, Daniel Okungbowa .
In his acceptance speech on Monday, the new Deputy Governor expressed gratitude to Mr. Obaseki for considering him worthy of the number two position in the State. According to him: “It is imperative that I publicly express my profound gratitude to our respected executive governor, His Excellency, governor Goodwin Obaseki and the leadership of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party.
“My job as Deputy Governor is clearly and well cut out. I understand it very clearly. In line with the oath of office to which I have just subscribed, I make a solemn pledge to do all in my power, with God’ guidance, to live up to expectations. I will give all it takes to meet the expectations of my principal, the party, and above all, the good people of Edo State.
“I accept the appointment. I am willing and very ready to join hands with you to complete your tenure in office in a most glorious way. Loyalty is the name of the game, and I assure you sir, that you will have it in full doze.” Omobayo vows.
He said, though the appointment came as a surprise, he also couldn’t say no for various reasons among which he highlighted that the Akoko-Edo people would never have forgiven him if he failed to take the opportunity ‘history and ripe time have given to them since creation.’
He thanked governor Obaseki for considering Akoko-Edo for the position of the deputy governor. He said: “My principal, governor Obaseki has demonstrated from the outsetof his administration that he is aware that Akoko Edo is being flagrantly marginalized. He therefore took practical steps to bridged the gap as much as possible. His first Chief of Staff, Chief Press Secretary and Senior Special Assistant on Researc, Documentation and Writing were all from Akoko Edo. He has further entrenched the practice of appointing two Commissioners from Akoko-Edo. In his time too, Akoko Edo produced a Speaker of the House of Assembly, a Deputy Speaker and Chief Whip.
“And today, Akoko Edo people have broken the yoke and shattered the jinx by producing a Deputy Governor in his time on platter of diamond designed by the Almighty and delivered by His Excellency.”
Omobayo, Uptown Press gathered holds a B.Eng Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Msc in Public Administration from the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
He is a registered member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He has also been active in politics in his local government.
However, Shaibu while reacting to his impeachment, in a video on his X platform, said: “It is with heavy heart yet a resolute spirit that I come before you to address the recent events that have unfolded within our dear state.
“I denounce in strongest terms the illegal impeachment by the Edo state House of Assembly over trumped-up charges. This is not just an attack on me as an individual but on the very democratic principles that we hold dear.
“It’s a dangerous descent into dictatorship, a threat to the foundation of our democracy. Let it be clear that this impeachment was hatched because of my ambition to contest the Edo governorship election 2024 under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.”
