The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has told the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, that he has resumed work from home ‘to prevent any confrontation’, Saturday PUNCH has learnt.
He also called on all his staff to resume, adding that their salaries and entitlements would be paid in full.
He said, “I have resumed, recalled all my staff and I will be working from home to prevent any confrontation. I remain the deputy governor. All salary and entitlements will be paid,” he said in a statement on Friday, cited by Saturday PUNCH.
Shaibu also stressed that he had no hand in the attack that took place in Benin on Thursday, which claimed the life of a police inspector, Akor Onuh.
Shaibu stated this on Friday while reacting to the state government’s claim that he planned the attack that took the life of Onuh at the exit of the Benin Airport.
The deputy governor told journalists on Friday that he was taken aback by the attack, noting that he has in the last year avoided calling for a protest to avoid confrontation with the state government and their agents.
He said, “They said I was the one who planned the attack but I came in peacefully from Abuja to the state capital. Why were the armed thugs laying ambush for me? Were they expecting a visitor?
“I have already instituted a N5bn suit against the governor, Nehikhare and Osagie for defamation. They will be served next week.
“I have resumed, recalled all my staff and I will be working from home in order to prevent any confrontation. I remain the deputy governor. All salary and entitlement will be paid,” he added.
The Edo State government had accused Shaibu of orchestrating violence that led to Akoh’s death.
This development came after a Federal High Court judgment that reinstated Shaibu, which the state government has appealed.
In a statement on Friday, Nehikhare emphasised that Shaibu remained impeached pending the outcome of the appeal.
He stated, “The filing of a stay of execution in response to a court order means that the status quo is maintained. Therefore, Philip Shaibu remains impeached as the Deputy Governor of Edo State until the Appeal Court decides otherwise.”
Nehikhare accused Shaibu of mobilising armed thugs to create chaos in Benin City under the guise of celebrating his reinstatement.
He described the incident as a ‘blatant disregard for law and order’.
He further claimed that Shaibu ignored warnings from the Commissioner of Police and proceeded into the city, causing widespread panic and destruction.
The violence reportedly led to the destruction of property, injuries to civilians and security operatives, and the death of Inspector Onuh Akoh.
Nehikhare condemned the incident and expressed condolences to the Nigerian Police Force and the family of the deceased officer.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party expressed shock over the violence and destruction.
The state PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, criticised the APC for allegedly instigating the chaos.
Obaseki’s administration maintained that Shaibu’s reinstatement was invalid pending the appeal, while Shaibu insisted on his legal right to resume office.
Meanwhile, Shaibu, on Friday, reappointed Kingsley Ehigiamusoe, as his Chief of Staff.
Shaibu also approved the reappointment of Musa Ebomhiana as Chief Press Secretary.
He also made seven other appointments.
In a statement issued by his CPS, Shaibu said the reappointments were with immediate effect.
CREDIT: PUNCH
