Heavy security surrounds Edo govt house as Obaseki moves to stall Shaibu’s return

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On Monday morning, heavy security was observed at the Edo State Government House (Osadebe Avenue) following reports that Philip Shaibu, the impeached Deputy Governor, is planning to return to his office despite his removal by the Edo State House of Assembly.

Shaibu’s impeachment came amid his escalating rift with Governor Godwin Obaseki, leading him to challenge the decision in court.

Shaibu argued that the lawmakers failed to grant him a fair hearing before the impeachment, and in a significant ruling, a Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice J. K. Omotosho nullified the impeachment, ordering Shaibu’s reinstatement.

However, the Edo State government has yet to comply, citing a pending stay of execution appeal.

During a visit by Daily Trust reporters to the Government House, only security vehicles were allowed access to Osadebe Avenue, while civil servants and visitors had to park their vehicles at a distance and walk to their destinations.
The scene raised concerns as civil servants expressed surprise at the heightened security presence.

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In a statement on Sunday, Crusoe Osagie, spokesperson for Governor Obaseki, accused Shaibu of planning to forcefully regain access to his office despite the pending appeal.

Osagie called on the Inspector General of Police and Nigerians to intervene, describing Shaibu’s actions as a “recipe for 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.

-DailyTrust)