News
Governor Obaseki’s Unprecedented Move: Deputy Governor Ignored at Edo’s 32nd Anniversary
In an unprecedented move, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State to the shock of guests and worshippers Sunday instructed his protocol officers not to recognize the Deputy Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, during the Thanksgiving ceremony to celebrate Edo at 32 years which held at the government house Benin.
The Thanksgiving ceremony, which was expected to be a display of unity and collaboration within the state’s leadership, witnessed a glaring rift between the governor and his deputy. The governor and his deputy were deliberately seated far apart, creating an uncomfortable and unusual situation that had never been seen before.
As the ceremony progressed, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu attempted to greet Governor Godwin Obaseki or exchange pleasantries with him. However, his efforts were thwarted by the governor’s security aides, who prevented the deputy governor from approaching the governor. Shocked onlookers witnessed this incident as the governor looked on without intervening.
Adding fuel to the fire, the governor’s aides forcefully ejected anyone attempting to capture a photograph or video of the Deputy Governor at the event. They ensured that the deputy governor’s face remained unseen throughout the ceremony, manifesting a clear disregard for his position.
As various dignitaries took turns to deliver readings, Comrade Philip Shaibu was conspicuously not called upon to take any reading. The clergymen leading the event called out the names of dignitaries for prayers but deliberately skipped the name of the deputy governor Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu.
Finally, Governor Godwin Obaseki stepped up to deliver his speech. During his address, he made a mention of the office of the Deputy Governor but deliberately decided not to mention the name of the incumbent, disregarding established protocol.
This incident has highlighted an escalating rift between Governor Obaseki and Deputy Governor Shaibu, raising questions about the stability and unity within Edo State’s executive leadership. Observers are concerned that this public display of animosity may jeopardize effective governance in the state and hinder progress.
The reasons behind Governor Obaseki’s decision to marginalize his deputy at the prestigious event remain unknown, and it remains to be seen how this rift will unfold in the coming days and whether efforts will be made to mend the growing divide in Edo State’s leadership.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the status quo in a dispute over the party’s candidates emerging from the Benue State APC primaries for the 2027 general election.
The order was made on Thursday by Justice Inyang Ekwo during proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1429/2026, filed by Engr. Sesugh Akaagba and other aggrieved APC candidates from Benue State against the APC and INEC.
The plaintiffs had, through an ex parte motion filed on July 5, 2026, sought six interim reliefs, including an order restraining the APC from substituting its validly nominated candidates in Benue State through its June 29, 2026 correspondence, or any subsequent communication, to INEC, pending determination of the substantive suit.
They also sought an order compelling the APC to immediately transmit to INEC the names of candidates validly nominated during the primaries monitored by the electoral commission.
When the matter first came up on July 8, 2026, the court declined to grant the interim application immediately, directing both APC and INEC to appear and respond before any decision was taken. The matter was adjourned to July 16.
At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel representing the APC and INEC were present in court, while the plaintiffs were represented by Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, alongside his legal team.
In his ruling, Justice Ekwo held that since issues had been joined by the parties particularly with INEC now before the court, the defendants were required by law to preserve the subject matter of the litigation pending determination of the substantive suit.
When counsel to the plaintiffs urged the court to caution APC and INEC against taking any further action that could affect the disputed list of candidates, the judge responded that it was “not a matter of advice but of law,” stressing that the defendants were bound to maintain the status quo.
The court consequently restrained APC and INEC from taking any action capable of altering the disputed list of candidates pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
The defendants did not object to the restraining order.
At the commencement of proceedings, the court noted that all parties had voluntarily submitted to its jurisdiction by duly filing and exchanging their respective processes.
It held that there was no procedural or jurisdictional impediment to the expeditious determination of the substantive action, and directed that the matter be heard without further delay.
In furtherance of the objective of preserving the res and safeguarding the efficacy of the judicial process, the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit, restraining any act or omission capable of prejudicing the rights of the parties or rendering the proceedings nugatory.
The court further directed that INEC be served forthwith with the originating and all consequential processes.
The effect of the subsisting order is that INEC is restrained from tampering with the existing list of candidates pending final determination of the suit, and from receiving, recognising, or acting upon any purported substituted list of National Assembly candidates from Benue State submitted by the APC.
The matter was adjourned to July 21, 2026, for hearing of the substantive suit.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former First Lady Patience Ibifaka Jonathan recently celebrated a significant family milestone as they attended the graduation ceremony of their son, Ariara Goodluck Jonathan, at Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.
The proud parents joined family members and well-wishers to witness Ariara receive his degree, marking the successful completion of his academic programme. The occasion was filled with joy as the Jonathan family commemorated the achievement, highlighting the importance they place on education and personal development.
The graduation ceremony attracted warm congratulatory messages from friends, associates, and admirers, who wished the graduate continued success in his future endeavours.
The Following names joined the political family of Sen. Dr. George Akume today after leaving the sinking Alia ship .
Under the leadership of Barr. Emmanuel Jime .
The are ;
Chief Nelson Alapa
Douglas pepe SAN senatorial Aspirant zone A,
Engr Peter Ashiekaa
QS Clement Beetseh
Former commissioners
Joy Luga
Ann itodo
Barr martins Shaagee
Miss Dorcas
Prof Usar Joseh
Prof Cephas Tushima
Chief Patrick Idoko
Hon Patience Akor
Hon Fred Idoko
Hon Lawrence Ekpo Onoja Jnr
Hon Andrew Abah
Hon Agbo Innocent Ikwumonu
Hon Simon Omachoko
Hon David Egboja
Dr John Garba
Among together,
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