The Edo State government yesterday alleged that Philip Shaibu had perfected plans to invade the Edo State Government House on Monday to enforce his reinstatement.
The state government stated that a stay of execution appeal had been filed challenging Justice J. K. Omotosho’s earlier ruling.
In a statement yesterday morning, the special adviser to the Edo State government, Crusoe 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.
He said, “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 enforce the ruling of Justice J. K. Omotosho purportedly.
“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.”
Osagie added that the government lawyers have written to the IGP and other stakeholders, highlighting 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.”
He added 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 plaintiff/respondent (Shaibu) does nothing to cause a breach of the peace or breakdown of law and order in Benin City and Edo State.
However, in a statement on Sunday, Shaibu’s chief press secretary, Musa Ebomhiana, said there was no iota of truth in the government statement.
He noted that the state government should come to terms with the fact that the election has been lost and won, describing the allegation as cheap blackmail cum 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 cum propaganda.”
Also, reacting to the allegation, Shaibu’s lawyer and a former commissioner under the current state government, Andrew Emwanta, said, “This is balderdash.”
