By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo State Government has accused the impeached former deputy governor of the state, Hon. Philip Shaibu, of using violence to enforce a court judgment that reinstated him.
The Federal High Court in Abuja recently declared Shaibu’s purported impeachment as illegal and void, and reinstated him as the deputy governor of the state.
However, the state assembly quickly reacted by stating that it had applied for a stay of execution and planned to appeal the judgment.
Similarly, the state government reaffirmed its position that Hon. Godwins Obaseki remains the deputy governor of the state, indicating that the state was not swayed by the court’s judgment.
The state government’s position on the matter was clearly articulated by the state Commissioner of Communication and Orientation, Mr Chris Nehikhare.
Nehikhare condemned the mayhem and chaos that followed the arrival of the impeached former deputy governor in Benin.
He added that the state government is worried by Shaibu’s tendency to resort to violence rather than using civility to resolve disputes.
Nehikhare stated, “The state government is concerned about the significant level of indiscriminate destruction carried out by the thugs and troublemakers collaborating with the impeached former deputy governor under the guise of supposedly enforcing a judgment to reinstate him in office.
“Shaibu’s inclination towards violence is well-documented, and he has been cautioned on multiple occasions by respected figures in society, including the revered Benin monarch, to refrain from violence. We echo this warning by urging him to stop resorting to violence under the pretence of enforcing a judgment. He is also reminded that he is not above the law and is accountable for the indiscriminate destruction carried out by him and his associates.”
The Commissioner stated firmly that the impeached former deputy governor would face the consequences of his actions, and that the full force of the law would be brought to bear in dealing with the situation.
He also warned the impeached former deputy governor that his attempts to blackmail or coerce the state government into submission would not succeed.
Nehikhare insisted Shaibu was aware that a stay of execution had been filed, but still chose to use force and violence to return to office.
He urged the public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without any hindrance, adding the state government is working with the security agencies to restore peace and order, and emphasized that the government intends to pursue the legal options to their conclusion, and would not descend into the political arena like “robbers and outcasts” as displayed by Shuaibu and his cohorts.
