Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of orchestrating the gun attack against him on Thursday, labelling it an assassination attempt.
Shaibu made this assertion on Friday in response to the state government’s allegation that he was behind the attack, which resulted in the death of Inspector Akor Onuh near Benin Airport.
The Deputy Governor expressed his shock over the assault, emphasizing that he has refrained from calling for any protests over the past year to avoid conflicts with the state government and its representatives.
Additionally, Shaibu has filed a N5 billion lawsuit for defamation against Governor Obaseki, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare, and the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie.
He mentioned that he wasn’t surprised by Nehikhare and Osagie’s insistence on keeping him impeached. He accused them of not properly reviewing the court’s ruling before issuing their responses, which he claimed is their typical approach.
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He clarified that the ruling reinstating him was declarative and needed to be implemented before any appeal on the matter could be considered. He also noted that the state’s request for a stay on the execution of the judgment would not be addressed until the judgment is enforced.
“I can tell you that Thursday’s attack was planned by the state governor to assassinate me. The governor vowed to destroy me when I remained resolute in vying for the position of the governor.
“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 N5 billion 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.
In the meantime, Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, has refuted the claim that Governor Godwin Obaseki orchestrated the assault.
