12th March, 2024
By Jethro Ibileke
The national leadership of the Catholic lay-groups in Nigeria has visited the Edo State House of Assembly to intercede in the impeachment process against the State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.
The visit is coming in less 72-hours after a Catholic Priest, Revered Father Andrew Obinyan, in an open letter to Governor Godwin Obaseki, appealed to him to prevail on the state lawmakers to discontinue the impeachment process.
The Catholic groups in a joint statement dated 11 March, 2024, and addressed to the Speaker of the House, sued for caution in the impeachment process to ensure that the legislators’ legislative responsibilities are not perceived as a political witch-hunt against the deputy governor due to his political disagreement with the governor.
The statement titled, “Request for Dialogue and Peace Regarding Impeachment Notice to the Deputy Governor”, was signed by nine different groups under the Catholic lay-groups in Nigeria.
The Most Reverend Augustine Akubeze, Archbishop of Benin City archdiocese, Most Reverend Donatus Ogun, Bishop of Uromi Diocese and Most Reverend Gabriel Dunia (Bishop of Auchi Diocese), were also copied.
The Benin Provincial President, Catholic Men Organisations, Steve Apologun, who spoke for the groups, said the visit to the leadership of the Edo State of Assembly was part of the reconciliation process initiated by Reverend Father Augustine Akubeze.
He recalled that there was a mutual agreement for the Deputy Governor to withdraw the legal action that sought to halt the initial alleged impeachment process in the reconciliation process initiated by Augustine Akubeze.
He, however, added that the groups were saddened by the current impeachment process, which is perceived by the public as a political witch-hunt.
According to him, this perception reflects disrespect towards the Archbishop and the intervention of other respected religious and traditional leaders in the state.
“We call for a careful approach on this matter with a focus on dialogue and peace, rather than creating further tension in the state.
“Our Chief Shepherd,His Grace, Most Reverend Augustine Akubeze, Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, has tirelessly worked towards promoting peace and reconciliation between His Excellency, the governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki and His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Rt.Hon.Comrade Philip Shaibu.
“We humbly request your intervention and alignment with the peace process initiated by our Archbishop and other respected leaders within and outside the state.
“We pray for wisdom and discernment in your decision-making process and encourage you to consider this appeal with utmost seriousness and take the necessary steps towards fostering unity, collaboration, and progress for the benefit of Edo State and its people,” he said.
Responding, the Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, said he was a mere servant leader to the other 23 members of the House.
He added that all of them would be involved in the implementation of any decisions taken on the issue.
“Yes I am the head of this parliament, we are 24 in number, I am a servant to them all. It is the decision they take that I will follow,” he said.