The Edo State Government has berated the reinstated Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu, accusing him of leading a group of thugs in attacks on innocent citizens and private property in Benin City.
Naturenex recalls that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had on Wednesday nullified Shaibu’s impeachment and reinstated him as the Deputy Governor.
The court directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to restore Shaibu’s full security details.
But the Edo State Government swiftly appealed the court’s ruling and applied for a Stay of Execution.
While the court is yet to rule on the Stay of Execution, Shaibu returned to Edo State on Thursday, which resulted in clashes between supporters of the reinstated Deputy Governor and Governor Godwin Obaseki.
In a statement to journalists, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, warned that Shaibu will be made to face the law for the destruction in the state.
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 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 pretense 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.
“We want to reiterate that Shaibu will face the consequences of violence that he has resorted to 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.
“We enjoin the general public to be calm and go about their lawful businesses as 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.”
