There is palpable tension in Edo State Government House as Nigerian Police Force have sealed-off the office of the Edo State’s Deputy Governor’s office. This development comes amidst the ongoing face-off between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Sahara Reporters reports that the Deputy Governor’s office located on Osadebe Avenue in Benin, was sealed off by a team of stern-looking policemen on Sunday.
“The office, which was previously relocated outside the Government House, had its entry gate closed. With a police truck mounted with a machine gun and three officers stationed in front, The PUNCH reports.
“Staff of the Edo State Deputy Governor’s office received directives on Friday to report to the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Agency, marking a significant relocation.
“Meanwhile, official vehicles, including the Press Crew bus, were redirected to the office of the Head of Service within the Government House on Osadebe Avenue.
A staff member of the Deputy Governor’s office quoted by The PUNCH on Sunday said, “You know we are civil servants. On Thursday, we were told to resume in JOOPSA and that was where we also resumed on Friday. And we would also do that tomorrow (Monday),”
Recall that on Saturday, the Edo State Government alleged that the Deputy Governor, Shaibu had perfected plans to invade the Edo State Government House on Monday, September 30. Shaibu was recently reinstated as deputy governor by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to the report, the Edo Government alleged that the plan is to enforce his reinstatement.
It stated “despite the fact that a stay of execution appeal has been filed challenging Justice J. K. Omotosho ruling.”
In the statement, 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”.
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 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.”
The SA added that the government lawyers have written to the IGP and other stakeholders. Highlighting the fact 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.”
Osagie 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 (Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu) does nothing to cause a breach of the peace or breakdown of law and order in Benin City and Edo State.
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