Former Edo State Deputy Governor and current Director General of the National Institute for Sports, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, on Thursday marked the first anniversary of his reinstatement as the duly elected then-Deputy Governor of Edo State.

At a press conference in Abuja, Shaibu described July 17, 2024 — the date of his reinstatement by the courts — as “one of the darkest chapters” of Edo’s democratic history, which nonetheless demonstrated the resilience of democratic institutions and the triumph of justice.

“It is said that democracy dies in darkness, but on that day, light returned to Edo State when the courts restored our mandate,” Shaibu said. “This is not just a date on the calendar for me — it is a deeply significant day, a reminder of how fragile yet resilient our democracy can be when we, as citizens and public servants, choose to stand on the side of truth, justice, and the people.”

Shaibu’s reinstatement followed months of political turmoil and what he called an “unconstitutional assault on democracy” under the supervision of then-Governor Godwin Obaseki. The judiciary declared his impeachment null, void, and of no effect, citing its illegality.

“Exactly one year ago, the judiciary of our great country rose to the occasion and reminded us that justice is not a privilege for a select few, but a right that belongs to all,” Shaibu said, praising the courts as “the last hope of the common man.”

The former deputy governor did not mince words in recounting what he saw as the abuse of state institutions for personal political ends. He condemned the use of the legislature as “a rubber stamp for the wishes of one man,” and said that period eroded public trust in democratic processes.

“We watched as the Legislature — the people’s House — was stripped of its independence, reduced to nothing more than a rubber stamp,” he recalled. “That single act shook public trust to its core. To hear ordinary Edolites say to me, ‘If they can do this to you, what hope do we have?’ broke my heart.”

He expressed deep concern that such actions weaken faith in democracy itself and emphasised the need for all players to play by the rules, ensuring that the will of the people remains supreme over personal interests.

Reflecting on the lessons of his ordeal, Shaibu said it underscored that “truth does not die” and that “justice may be delayed, but it can never be permanently denied.”

“The test of true leadership is not in how you wield power, but how you endure injustice with dignity and continue to serve selflessly,” he said. “We must never allow personal interest to override the will of the people or to destroy the institutions we inherited.”

Shaibu thanked his legal team, family, supporters, and especially the judiciary, whom he credited with restoring not just his mandate but the faith of Nigerians in the rule of law.

To those who orchestrated his impeachment, Shaibu delivered a pointed message: “The lesson of this day is clear — no one is bigger than the law, and the will of the people cannot be silenced by intimidation or manipulation.”

He, however, reiterated his commitment to serving the people, dedicating the anniversary to Edo people and all Nigerians who continue to fight for justice and believe in democracy.

“We must build a democracy rooted in fairness, not fear; in service, not selfishness. As I stand before you today, my resolve is even stronger — to continue to work for the people, to continue to speak up for justice, and to continue to believe in the dream of a better Edo and a better Nigeria,” Shaibu declared.