Security has been tightened around Edo State Government House (Osadebe Avenue) amid reports that Philip Shaibu is planning to resume office as Deputy Governor.
Shaibu was previously impeached by the Edo House of Assembly during his conflict with Governor Godwin Obaseki.
However, he challenged the impeachment in court, arguing that the lawmakers did not grant him a fair hearing.
A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice J.K. Omotosho, overturned the impeachment and ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement.
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Despite this ruling, the state government has not complied, citing the filing of a stay of execution.
On Monday morning, visitors and civil servants were seen walking long distances to reach their destinations after parking their vehicles along the road, as only security vehicles had unimpeded access to Osadebe Avenue.
A civil servant, who requested anonymity, expressed surprise at the increased security presence around the government house.
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This follows a statement on Sunday by Crusoe Osagie, spokesperson for Governor Obaseki, accusing Shaibu of planning to forcibly enter Government House to enforce his “purported” reinstatement, despite the stay of execution appeal.
Osagie called on the Inspector General of Police and concerned citizens to intervene, warning that Shaibu’s actions could lead to unrest.
“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.
In response, Shaibu’s spokesperson, Mr. Ebomhiana Musa, dismissed the allegation, stating that Governor Obaseki has yet to come to terms with the fact that the people of Edo have rejected him.
“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.
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