From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The gubernatorial candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Dr. Udoh Oberaifo, yesterday, condemned in strong terms, the impeachment of the former deputy governor, comrade Philip Shaibu, by the Edo State House of Assembly.
In a statement in Benin, Oberaifo said regardless of the charges levelled against Shaibu, due process was not followed, saying that Shaibu was not given fair hearing, just as he described the impeachment as blatant disregard for the principles of justice.
“Of particular concern is the fact that the impeachment proceeded despite a pending case filed by the deputy governor at the Federal High court.
“This legal action should have warranted a status quo, yet the impeachment was carried out regardless, casting doubts on the motives behind the hurried proceedings”, he said .
The AAC candidate, raised the alarm over the connection between the Labour Party (LP) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, alleging the new deputy governor was a card-carrying member of LP who was yet to resign membership of the party as at the time he was sworn in.
“This action, is in clear violation of the Electoral Act 2022 and it underscores the connivance between the LP and PDP to consolidate power,” he said.
Dr. Oberaifo condemned the display of political maneuvering and warned against the entrenched godfatherism that has permeated Edo politics, urging the people of the state to reject the PDP and LP at the polls in September 2024, and embrace the AAC as a viable alternative.
He also called on all Edolites to rally behind the AAC, embrace its programs, visions, and manifestos, and cast their votes for him as the next governor of the state in September.