Tinubu Rewards Loyalty? Ex-Edo Deputy Governor Shaibu Lands Federal Appointment

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Philip Shaibu, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, as the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS).

Established in 1974, the NIS operates as a research and training institution under the National Sports Commission (NSC). Its mandate includes training elite coaches, sports managers, and scientists, conducting vital sports-related research, and enhancing Nigeria’s performance on the global stage.

According to Leadership, Shaibu is expected to spearhead reforms aimed at revitalizing the Institute and improving its impact on national sports development.

In a related development, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a ₦50 billion fundamental rights suit filed by Shaibu against former Governor Godwin Obaseki and four others.

The case was withdrawn after Shaibu’s legal counsel, Anita Oteh, informed the court that all parties had reached an amicable resolution. However, Aliyu Abdulkadir, representing the Attorney General of the Federation, expressed surprise over the purported settlement, noting his client had not been notified—though he did not oppose the withdrawal.

Despite Oteh’s plea for a simple withdrawal, Justice Lifu ruled that since pleadings had already been exchanged, the suit should be formally dismissed.