The Edo State Governmen, yesterday, raised the alarm that court reinstated deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, has perfected plans to invade the state Government House today (Monday) to enforce his reinstatement, but Shaibu has however denied the allegation.
The government in a statement by Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, said a stay of execution appeal has been filed challenging Justice J. K. Omotosho earlier ruling of the case.
The statement, therefore, called on the Inspector General of Police and all well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on Shaibu to refrain from his devious plot as it is a clear recipe for chaos, given the fact that a policeman was killed the last time he attempted such action.
“We want to draw the attention of the Inspector General of Police to the intelligence we have gathered regarding a planned move by the erstwhile Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip 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 the 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”.
Besides, the statement said the government lawyers have written to the IGP and other stakeholders, highlighting the fact that “all actions relating to the enforcement and/or execution of the judgement of Honourable Justice J. K. Omotosho in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/478/2024 be stayed pending the hearing and determination of the Motion for Stay of Execution/Injunction Pending Appeal so as not to foist a situation of helplessness on the Court of Appeal and render the Order nugatory in the case that the application is granted.”
It explained that the appeal case raises special circumstances and substantial arguable grounds in respect of which the Court ought to grant the application as this will ensure that the plantiff/respondent (Shaibu) does nothing to cause a breach of the peace or break down of law and order in Benin City and Edo State.
Reacting to the government statement, Shaibu’s Chief Press Secretary, Musa Ebomhiana, in a statement yesterday, said there was no iota of truth in the statement.
He urged the state government to come to terms with the fact that the election has been lost and won, describing the allegation as cheap blackmail cum propaganda.
“There is no iota of truth in it please. They should know that the election has been lost and won. This is cheap blackmail cum propaganda.”, Ebomhiana said.
Similarly, Shaibu’s lawyer and a former Commissioner in the Obaseki’s government, Andrew Emwanta, described the government claim as “balderdash.”
