Security Tightened at Edo Govt House Amid Shaibu’s Alleged Plot to Resume as Deputy Governor

Heightened security measures have been enforced at the Edo State Government House following reports of Philip Shaibu’s alleged plans to return as Deputy Governor. Get the latest updates on the political tension.

Tension is escalating at the Edo State Government House in Benin City regarding the anticipated reinstatement of Philip Shaibu as Deputy Governor.

Reports indicate that security has been significantly enhanced at the Government House located on Denis Osadebei Street, Benin City.

These heightened security measures appear to be designed to prevent Shaibu from resuming his official duties.

As part of these precautions, the state government has prohibited vehicles, including those belonging to Government House personnel, from accessing Osadebe Street.

Officers from both the Nigeria Police and the State Police Command have established a blockade at the entrance gate.

It is noteworthy that a Federal High Court in Abuja, under the jurisdiction of Justice J. K. Omotosho, reinstated Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State on July 17.

Furthermore, the court recently dismissed requests from the Edo State government and the House of Assembly to suspend the enforcement of the reinstatement order.

On March 18, 2024, the state House of Assembly impeached Shaibu from his position and subsequently appointed Engineer Godwins Marvelous Omobayo as his successor.

Several officials, who requested anonymity when speaking to Obasanjo News on Monday, expressed their astonishment at the increased security presence at the Government House.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Edo State government accused Shaibu of planning to storm the government premises on Monday, September 30, in an effort to enforce his reinstatement, despite his ongoing appeal against Justice J. K. Omotosho’s ruling.

Crusoe Osagie, the Edo State Government’s Special Adviser on Media Projects, urged the Inspector-General of Police and all concerned citizens to intervene and prevent Shaibu from executing the alleged scheme.

READ ALSO: Philip Shaibu Reinstated as Edo Deputy Governor by Appeal Court

In a statement released on Sunday, the Edo State government claimed that Shaibu was plotting to storm government premises on Monday, September 30, in an effort to force his reinstatement despite having appealed against Justice J. K. Omotosho’s ruling.

Crusoe Osagie, the Special Adviser on Media Projects for the Edo State Government, urged the Inspector-General of Police and all concerned Nigerians to intervene in preventing Shaibu from executing his alleged scheme.

Osagie believed that the plot was obviously disruptive, particularly since a police officer had been killed the last time Shaibu made such an attempt.

We would like to bring the attention of the Inspector-General of Police to information we have obtained about a scheme by Shaibu to invade the Edo State Government House, purportedly aiming to enforce Justice J.K. Omotosho’s sentence.

“Pending the suspension before the Court of Appeal, we urge the Inspector-General of Police to prevent a descent into anarchy due to one man’s ambition.”

“The last time Shaibu tried this, it resulted in the death of a police officer. ‘We believe even one loss is too many and must take steps to prevent another tragedy,’ he said.”

Responding to the statement, Shaibu refuted the accusation, asserting that Obaseki had not yet come to terms with the fact that he and his supporters had been rejected by the people of Edo.

Through his media aide Ebomiana Musa, Shaibu emphasized that in contrast to Obaseki, he is a peace-loving individual who staunchly upholds the rule of law and opposes any shedding of innocent blood.

To be clear, unlike Governor Godwin Obaseki, Philip Shaibu is a peace-loving individual who deeply respects the rule of law and has no intention of causing harm to innocent people under any circumstances.

According to both the law and the views of the citizens of Edo State and Nigeria, Philip Shaibu is officially and practically recognized as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

He urged the public to disregard the allegations, labeling them as untrue rumors circulated by Obaseki’s spokesperson.