By Jethro Ibileke
There was strict restriction of movements into the Edo State Government House on Monday. Vehicles of visitors and civil servants working on the premises were also deprived of access to the premises.
It was gathered that the steps were taken to forestall an alleged attempt by the reinstated deputy governor, Philip Shaibu to forcefully resume his office.
Recall that the state government had on Sunday in a statement by Crusoe Osagie, alleged that the reinstated Philip Shaibu has perfected plans to invade the Government House on Monday, September 30, “to enforce his purported reinstatement even though a stay of execution appeal has been filed challenging Justice J. K. Omotosho ruling.”
Osagie 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 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,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Philip Shaibu has denied making attempts to invade the Government House.
Shaibu in a statement by his spokesperson, Ebomhiana Musa, urged the public to ignore the allegation, describing it as fake news.
He said: “We want to put it 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 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.”