Benin City – A wave of unease swept through the Edo State Government House on Sunday, following claims by the state government that Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu is plotting to forcibly resume duty at the Government House. This comes despite an appeal against the recent court ruling which reinstated Shaibu.
The state government, in a statement issued by Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects, urged the Inspector General of Police to intervene, warning that Shaibu’s alleged move could lead to chaos. The government emphasized that a stay of execution appeal has been filed, challenging the ruling of Justice J. K. Omotosho that ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement.
Osagie highlighted the potential risk of violence, recalling a previous confrontation in which a police officer lost their life. “The last time Shaibu attempted this, it resulted in the death of a police officer. We believe one death is too many, and we must avoid a repeat,” he said. He added that government lawyers have formally requested that enforcement of the ruling be paused pending the outcome of the appeal.
The Deputy Governor’s office on Commercial Avenue was deserted on Sunday, with staff redirected to the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA). Security personnel and a police truck were stationed at the office, further escalating concerns.
Attempts to reach Shaibu for comment over the weekend were unsuccessful. However, his aide and legal team refuted the allegations, dismissing the government’s claims as propaganda. Shaibu’s Chief Press Secretary, Musa Ebomhiana, insisted there was no truth to the accusations, stating that the matter should be seen as “cheap blackmail” and that the government should accept the results of the election.
Andrew Emwanta, Shaibu’s lawyer and a former commissioner under Governor Obaseki, echoed these sentiments, describing the allegations as “nonsense.”
As both sides prepare for the legal battle ahead, there is growing concern over the potential for unrest in the state, with many calling for restraint to avoid further escalation.
The situation remains tense as the appeal process continues, with Edo residents watching closely for developments that could shape the state’s political landscape. Authorities and stakeholders are urged to prioritize peace and ensure that the legal process is respected.
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