The Edo State Government has raised alarms regarding a purported plan by the reinstated Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, to forcibly enter the Edo State Government House on Monday, September 30, to assert his reinstatement.
The development comes despite the filing of a stay of execution appeal against the ruling of Justice J. K. Omotosho, which ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement.
In a statement issued late Saturday by Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to the Edo State Government, the state called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene, warning that Shaibu’s alleged plan could lead to chaos.
Osagie emphasized that the last time Shaibu made such an attempt, it resulted in the death of a police officer, a tragedy the government is keen to avoid repeating.
Part of the statement read, “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 into 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.”
The government disclosed that its legal team has already written to the IGP and other relevant authorities, informing them of the appeal for a stay of execution regarding Justice Omotosho’s ruling.
According to Osagie, the appeal emphasizes the need to maintain law and order while the court process continues, cautioning against any actions that could create unrest.
“All actions relating to the enforcement and/or execution of the judgment of Honourable Justice J. K. Omotosho in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/478/2024 should be stayed pending the hearing and determination of the motion for stay of execution/injunction pending appeal,” Osagie stated.