The leadership of the Catholic Lay Groups in Nigeria while appreciating the legislative roles of the Edo State House of Assembly and constitutional duties has appealed for caution to ensure that their legislative responsibilities “are not perceived as a political witchhunt against the Deputy Governor due to his political disagreement with the Governor.”
The group made this assertion while at the legislative chambers to discuss the issue of the plot to impeach the Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu on Tuesday afternoon.
In its submission, the group called for “a careful approach on this matter with a focus on dialogue and peace, rather than creating further tension in the state.”
Going further, the group stressed: “We would like to draw your attention that our Chief Shepherd, His Grace, Dr. Augustine Akubeze, Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, has tirelessly worked towards promoting peace and reconciliation between the Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu.
“As part of the initiation process initiated by our Archbishop, there was a mutual agreement for the Deputy Governor to withdraw the legal action that sought to halt the initial alleged impeachment process.
“As Catholic Lay faithful and eligible voters, we are saddened by the current impeachment process which is peeceived by the public as a political witchhunt. This perception reflects disrespect towards our Archbishop and the intervention of other respected religious and traditional leaders in the state.”
In his response, the Speaker of the House said that he is tied to the decision of the other 23 members on the impeachment issue and he is even not a signatory to the call for the impeachment of Comrade Shaibu.
The team that met with the Speaker of the House and other members was led by Mr. Steve Adewole Apologun, President, CMO Benin Ecclesiastical Province – Representative of the National President, Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, who handed over the letter from the Catholic Secretariat to the Speaker.
Others in the team included Mrs. J.N. Ben-Osesiamhe member, Catholic Action Nigeria – Representing Founder of Catholic Action Nigeria; Sir John Omozegbai – President, CMO Auchi Diocese; Michael Iyiegbuniwe – Secretary, CMO Benin Ecclesiastical Province; Comrade Dove Jude Igeri – President, CYON Archdiocese of Benin City; Miss Agatha B. Agbonkonkon – President, Catholic Girls Organization, Archdiocese of Benin City; Mr. Patrick Akumabor, Mr. Andrew Mbamara and Mr. Emmanuel Okakume.
