Edo govt warns Shaibu over violence

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State government has issued strong warning to the reinstated deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, over alleged destruction of properties by thugs suspected to be loyal to him.

Several persons  had sustained injuries following an exchange of gunfire between yet-to-be-identified waring factions, when the APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the reinstated state deputy governor, Phillip Shaibi and others, who arrived from Abuja aboard a chartered private jet were leaving the Benin Airport.

The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, gave the warning in a statement Thursday evening.

He warned Shaibu to desist from this turn to violence in the pretense that he is enforcing a judgement, adding that he will face the consequences of violence in pursuit of his aim to return to the Edo State Government House even when he is aware that a stay of execution of the judgement has been filed.

The statement read: “The Edo State government has observed the level of wanton destruction perpetrated by thugs and elements working in connivance with former Deputy Governor of the State, Philip Shaibu in the guise of purportedly enforcing a judgement reinstating him in office.

“Shaibu led thugs through the Airport Road axis of Benin City, attacking innocent citizens and unleashing mayhem on private citizens who are going about their lawful businesses.

“The State Government through this statement is warning Shaibu to desist from this turn to violence in the pretence that he is enforcing a judgement. He is reminded that he is not above the law and is liable for the wanton destruction perpetrated by him and his co-travellers.

“Shaibu’s violent tendencies is well documented and he has been warned at different times by respected figures of society, including the revered Benin Monarch to shun violence.”

The statement, however, enjoined the general public to be calm and go about their lawful businesses as the government will continue to deploy the instrumentality of the state to restore and maintain law and order in the State in the face of undue provocation.