The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has responded to recent allegations claiming he intends to storm the State Government House on Monday to enforce his reinstatement.
Shaibu’s Chief Press Secretary, Musa Ebomhiana, issued a statement on Sunday refuting the allegations, urging the government to come to terms with the results of the 2024 governorship election.
Naijaonpoint earlier reported that the Edo State Government had accused Shaibu of plotting to invade the Government House.
The government raised concerns that Shaibu would act on the court’s decision to reinstate him as deputy governor.
The state government also revealed that a stay of execution appeal had been filed in response to Justice James Omotosho’s ruling at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a separate statement, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Government, Crusoe Osagie, called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, and concerned citizens to prevent Shaibu from going forward with his alleged “plot.”
Osagie warned that such actions could result in chaos, referencing the tragic loss of a police officer during a previous confrontation.
“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 this, it led to the death of a police officer. We believe that one death is already too many, and it would be wise to prevent a recurrence,” Osagie stated.
He further mentioned that the government’s legal team had already informed the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities, emphasizing that any move to enforce the ruling before the appeal’s decision could complicate the court’s processes.
In response, Shaibu’s representative, Musa Ebomhiana, categorically denied the claims. He urged the government to acknowledge the finality of the 2024 elections, describing the accusations as “blackmail and propaganda.”
He said, “There is no iota of truth in it, please. They should know that the election has been lost and won. This is cheap blackmail and propaganda.”
Shaibu’s legal counsel, Andrew Emwanta, also dismissed the accusations, calling them “balderdash.”