29th September, 2024
By Jethro Ibileke
The Edo State Government says it has uncovered plans perfected by Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu to invade the State government house on Monday, 30 September, to enforce his reinstatement by the court.
This, it said, is even though a stay of execution appeal has been filed challenging Justice J. K. Omotosho’s ruling reinstating him.
The Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on media project, Mr Crusoe Osagie, stated this in a statement Saturday evening.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police “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 stated further: “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.”
Osagie disclosed 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.”
He added that the appeal case raised 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 (Philip Shaibu), does nothing to cause a breach of the peace or breakdown of law and order in Benin City and Edo State.
Efforts to get a reaction from Musa Ebomhiana, the chief press secretary to Philip Shaibu were unsuccessful as calls made to his mobile phone failed to connect.
