Heavy security is currently in place at the Edo State Government House on Osadebe Avenue amid reports that Philip Shaibu is planning to reclaim his position as Deputy Governor.
Shaibu was impeached by the Edo House of Assembly during a severe rift with Governor Godwin Obaseki. However, he contested the impeachment in court, asserting that the lawmakers denied him a fair hearing.
A Federal High Court in Abuja, led by Justice J. K. Omotosho, annulled the impeachment and ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement. Nevertheless, the state government has not complied, claiming it has filed a stay of execution.
According to Daily Trust, on Monday morning, visitors and civil servants were seen trekking long distances as they parked their vehicles by the roadside; only security vehicles were allowed unrestricted access to Osadebe Avenue.
A civil servant, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed surprise at the heavy security surrounding the government house.
Recall that on Sunday, Crusoe Osagie, spokesman for Obaseki, issued a statement alleging that Shaibu had devised plans to storm the Government House to enforce his “purported” reinstatement, even though a stay of execution appeal had been filed.
Osagie urged the Inspector General of Police and concerned Nigerians to intervene and dissuade Shaibu from what he termed a “devious plot,” warning that it could lead to chaos.
“We want to draw the attention of the Inspector General of Police to the intelligence we have gathered regarding a planned move by Shaibu to forcefully enter the Edo State Government House to purportedly enforce the ruling of Justice J. K. Omotosho.”
“The stay of execution is still pending at the court of appeal and we appeal to the Inspector General of Police to ensure that 0 state does not descend to anarchy because of the ambition of one man. The last time Shaibu attempted to do this, it led to the death of a police officer. We believe that is one death too many and it is only wise for us to prevent a repeat of such,” he said.
Responding, Shaibu’s spokesperson, Mr.Ebomhiana Musa, denied the allegation, saying the reality is yet to dawn on Obaseki that they had been rejected by Edo people.
“We want to put it clearly here that, unlike Governor Godwin Obaseki, Philip Shaibu is a peace loving man, who firmly believes in the rule of law and would not want to shed innocent blood for whatever reason.
“As it is today, in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of the good people of Edo State and Nigerians, Philip Shaibu is the de jure and de facto Deputy Governor of Edo State. We need not fight or struggle for that which God has given us”, he said.
