The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has issued a directive demanding the immediate return of 22 official government vehicles currently held by former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.
The directive is aimed at retrieving vehicles allocated to the Office of the Deputy Governor, which remain in Shaibu’s custody despite his departure from office.
The Governor’s decision was officially communicated through a public notice signed by the State Commissioner of Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare.
The notice read, “The Edo State Government hereby issues this notice directing the retrieval of official government vehicles allocated to the Office of the Deputy Governor, Edo State, which are currently in the custody of the former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.”
According to the notice, Shaibu has been given a seven-day ultimatum from the date of publication to return the vehicles.
This move underscores the state government’s commitment to ensure that all government property is duly accounted for and returned to the appropriate authorities.
Nehikhare emphasized the importance of the directive, stating that “the vehicles are essential for the operational efficiency of the Office of the Deputy Governor.”
He further highlighted that these assets must be made available for the use of the current administration to facilitate its official duties.
To ensure compliance with the directive, the Edo State Government has alerted relevant security agencies to the directive.
These agencies have been put on standby to assist in the retrieval of the vehicles if Shaibu fails to comply within the stipulated time frame.
Shaibu was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly in April after he fell out with Governor Obaseki, allegedly over his gubernatorial ambition.
Shaibu was later replaced by Marvellous Omobayo Godwins, a former chieftain of the Labour Party.
While speaking in May after his impeachment, Shaibu clarified that the vehicles in his possession were not new but refurbished ones that belonged to previous deputy governors.
He emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability during his tenure.
He said, “The vehicles they are referring to are the two Prado SUVs used by Lucky Imasuen as the deputy governor. The other Hilux was the one (Dr Pius) Odubu’s wife used, and the Land Cruiser was the one Odubu used.
“I took all those vehicles to the mechanic who changed their engine and refurbished them. Those are the vehicles that they are telling me to return.
“So, you can see how heartless men can be. I got only one new vehicle in almost eight years that I served as the deputy governor of the state.”