Shaibu warns against violence ahead of Edo governorship poll

Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, has called for peace and denounced violence and anti-democratic actions as the state prepares for the September 21 governorship election. Shaibu, who was impeached on March 18 but reinstated by the court on July 17, made the appeal during a thanksgiving service at St. Paul Catholic Church in Benin to celebrate his legal victory. In his address, Shaibu emphasized the need for unity and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, despite any provocations.  Describing himself as a “child of God,” Shaibu expressed that he had challenged God to demonstrate His presence in his life. “I said, prove to the world that truly I am your son. “They said they will impeach me, and when I go to court and by the time the judgment would come, the tenure would be over. “But God proved them wrong and the judgement came earlier than expected on July 17,” he said. He warned the youths against violence, saying they could be whoever they wanted without going to the streets. “You can be who you want to be when you are consistent and do what is right all the time. “Don’t let anyone disrupt this democracy. “You must stand your ground to make sure that democracy succeeds,” said the deputy governor. He said violence would only lead to suffering, adding that “Nigeria cannot afford to go to war. “There are too many economic problems that need to be solved,” he said. On the allegation that he was the mastermind of the Benin Airport attack, Mr Shaibu said the state government was only trying to cover up. “They killed a policeman and all of them must be picked up. “The men of the vigilance group and Public Work Volunteers did that. “They want to drag people in, so I called on the President and IG to set up an inquiry, not just to investigate but to proscribe the vigilance group and POWOV,” he said. The deputy governor said he had changed his style and now used his brain instead of resorting to violence. “I don’t move people to the street anymore. “They said I will soon go to the street, but I didn’t go. “I use my brain, and I have been winning,” he said. Earlier, the officiating priest of the church, Rev. Fr. Charles Omogiate, cautioned against killings in the name of seeking for positions. Position, he said, would come and go but human beings would remain. “If you take lives and property because you want position, know that you are on the part of destruction because God gives lives and only He has the power to take lives,” the cleric said.

Philip Shaibu defects from PDP to APC

By Doris Isreal Ijeoma Philip Shaibu, reinstated deputy governor of Edo state, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Shaibu made the announcement on Saturday in Benin City, the state capital, He was said to have rejoined the APC with leading members of the Dan Orbih-led Legacy Group of the PDP. “On behalf of the Legacy Group, I announce our movement to the APC. We have come to add value to the party,” Shaibu said. “It is time to take back our state. We will not talk too much because action will speak for us. We are not afraid. We are ready to move forward. “We, the homeboys, are ready to take our state back through the APC governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa. “We are not troublemakers, but if it comes, we will use it to rub our body, and we move on.”

Akoko-Edo: An Unmatched History of Loyalty

By Comrade Mayor Samuel Akoko-Edo LGA of Edo State boasts an unparalleled history of loyalty, honesty, and peaceful coexistence. Despite its large population, abundant resources, and extensive landmass, we have consistently supported our neighbors in Edo North. We hold the likes of Etsako politicians, businessmen, and other influential figures in high regard, respecting their traditional institutions. In Edo Central, politicians and residents alike have our unwavering support. In Edo South, we have also shown wholehearted support. Yet, we have been unjustly treated by our closest neighbors, the Etsako. Under Oshiomole’s leadership, we endured humiliation through political appointments and party candidacies. As we are still reeling from these inhumane treatments, Philip Shaibu, Oshiomole’s blood brother, has continued the dehumanization of our people. What is our offense? This question remains unanswered, except by Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu. I have always believed that loyalty pays, serving pays, and reliability pays. If there is any race, ethnicity, or group with the same heritage and geographical placement that has shown unwavering loyalty to the people of Etsako and Edo State in general, it is the people of Akoko-Edo. Even though we are not born as slaves or second-class citizens, out of love and respect, we have served the Etsako in Edo North and across Edo State. Why, then, would anyone continue to mistreat those who have refused confrontation, even when provoked? Why do Oshiomole and Philip Shaibu believe it is the birthright of Etsako to determine the destiny of Akoko-Edo, Owan, and Esan people? We have tolerated so much, and it is time to say, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Yes, we may not be as blessed as Estako, which has all the supposed decentralized government institutions spread across Owan, Akoko-Edo, and Estako, but all politically centralized in Etsako. You have reduced us to mere monkeys, throwing us bananas whenever you feel like it. You callously prevented Deacon Obende Domigo from going to the Senate when you, Oshiomole, was the governor, Philip Shaibu was in the House of Reps, and Estako had a minister, only to replace him with another Etsako man. As if that was not enough, you delivered the final blow, appointing Philip Shaibu as Deputy Governor, Senator, and Minister, all from the same LGA in Estako. Today, the same enemies of Akoko-Edo are senators and ministers, yet they are doing everything possible to strip us of the only remnant we have been left with by a benevolent power. This must stop. Nothing must happen to our brother. Akoko-Edo has long paid its dues, and we deserve to be happy, even if just once. At this critical moment, I call on all sons and daughters of Akoko-Edo, at home and abroad, to rise in defense of our son, our brother, and our first-ever executive position. I urge sociocultural and political groups to issue press statements. This is not the time to be party loyalists because, to see light in this provocative moment, we must come together, irrespective of party affiliation. Comrade Mayor Samuel Son of the Soil – Enwan Akoko-Edo LGA, Edo State.

‘I Remain Deputy Gov Till Nov, I Will Resume Office, Face My Work’ – Philip Shaibu Dares Obaseki

The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, declared on Friday that he will remain in office until November 11, the date of the upcoming governorship election. Shaibu’s statement came after an Abuja Federal High Court reaffirmed his position. In an appearance on Arise TV’s morning show, Shaibu announced his return to the office and criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki for failing to pay him for the past year. Shaibu stated, “I’m elected deputy governor of this state and the court has reaffirmed it. I will be deputy governor till November eleven, even when the governor has not paid. He has not paid for the last one year. “I’m a law abiding citizen and I will go to the office this morning, if they want to stop me, they should. “I will not do anything that would lead to the loss of life. I have been maintaining peace, the office of the deputy governor must be given it’s rightful respect. “I will resume in the office and face my work, if he allows me to see him, I will and if not; I will face my work.” In addition, Shaibu revealed that he considers himself an unofficial member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), having distanced himself from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He explained that his support for the APC’s governorship candidate is consistent with his personal choice, noting that party affiliations do not restrict one’s right to support any candidate. Giving reasons for supporting the APC governorship candidate in Edo state, he said, “In PDP now, everybody can support whoever they like. On the issue of supporting a candidate, the constitution guarantees that you can support who you like and you can belong to any political party.”

Edo Deputy Governor’s security strengthened as gunmen attack convoy of Okpebholo, Shaibu 

By Doris Isreal Ijeoma On Thursday in Benin, gunmen attacked the convoy of APC governorship candidate Sen. Monday Okpebholo and the reinstated deputy governor Philip Shaibu, resulting in the death of one security officer. The attack took place on Airport Road as Okpebholo and his team arrived from Abuja on a chartered flight. A police officer was killed and three others sustained injuries. Okpebholo’s condition remains unclear, though he is reported to be hospitalized in an undisclosed location in Benin City. This incident follows a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja on Wednesday that overturned Shaibu’s impeachment by the state House of Assembly. The Assembly has since appealed the ruling. The gunmen, stationed at the airport exit gate, opened fire on the convoy, leading to a retaliatory response from the security personnel protecting Okpebholo and Shaibu. The attack prompted businesses and offices in the vicinity to close quickly, and many motorists abandoned their vehicles and sought safety. SP Chidi Nwabuzor, spokesperson for the Edo police command, confirmed that the incident is currently under investigation. “It is premature for the police to confirm at this time until the investigation is concluded,” he said. Meanwhile, a check showed that security had been strengthened at the premises of the state Deputy Governor, Godwins Omobayo located at Osadebey Avenue, near the airport, in Benin to forestall any attack on him. In a statement on Thursday, Edo government alleged that it had observed the level of wanton destruction perpetrated by thugs working in connivance with the former deputy governor. Chris Nehikhare, the commissioner for communication and orientation, alleged that Mr Shaibu-led thugs have unleashed mayhem on innocent citizens in the guise of enforcing the judgement reinstating him to office. “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 Government House even when he is aware that a stay of execution of the judgement has been filed,” he said. The commissioner enjoined the general public to be calm and go about their lawful businesses as government restored peace to the ancient city. However, efforts to get the reaction of Shaibu proved abortive. But a statement by Godswill Inegbe, an aide to Okpebholo said his principal was attacked by the gunmen. “During the unprovoked attack, three mobile policemen attached to the security detail of Sen. Okpebholo were injured with bullet wounds, while one of the policemen has been feared dead,” Inegbe said. According to him, Okpebholo is at this moment admitted in an undisclosed hospital in Benin for medical attention with other members of the entourage. 

Court restores Philip Shuaibu as Edo State Deputy Governor

By Vivian Michael, Abuja Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Wednesday, nullified the removal of Phillip Shuaibu as Edo State Deputy Governor. The court, in a judgement held that Shuaibu’s impeachment and subsequent removal violated the provisions of the law. Having declared the removal as unlawful, the court subsequently ordered his instatement as deputy governor of the state. Besides, the court ordered the Inspector General of Police to restore his security details as deputy governor. Consequently, the Court ordered that his salaries, allowances should be paid to him from April. Details later.

BREAKING: Edo Govt To Retrieve Toyota Armored Jeep, 21 Other Vehicles From Ex-Deputy Gov, Philip Shaibu

The Godwin Obaseki-led Edo State Government has announced plans to retrieve over 20 vehicles still in the possession of erstwhile Deputy Governor, Comrade Phillip Shaibu. This was made known in a public notice signed by the State Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, on Tuesday. In the notice titled ‘Publich Notice On Retrieval Of 22 Official Government Vehicles’, the Commissioner disclosed that Philip Shaibu has been given seven days to return the vehicles. He stated that should the former Deputy Governor fail to obey the directive, security agencies have been put on alert to retrieve the vehicles. The notice read: “The Edo State Government hereby issues this notice directing the retrieval of official government vehicles allocated to the Office of the Deputy Governor, Edo State, which are currently in the custody of the former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu. “The former Deputy Governor is by this notice given a seven-day ultimatum from the date of this publication to return the vehicles, as relevant security agencies have been put on alert to retrieve the vehicles after the expiration of the notice.”

Court Refuses to stop impeachment move against Edo Deputy Gov, Philip Shaibu

The Federal High Court in Abuja, again, refused to stop the alleged impeachment move against the incumbent Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr Phillip Shaibu by the State House of Assembly. Specifically, Shaibu prays the court to grant an order of status quo to be maintained by the House of Assembly and others involved in the impeachment move. Counsel to the plaintiff, Olawoyin Awoyale, (SAN) had orally requested for an order of status quo to be maintained by parties pending the hearing and determination of his motion on notice. In his ruling, Justice Omotoso held that the cited authority was not applicable in the Shaibu’s case because the Governor of Edo State and the Edo State House of Assembly who are the principal actors in the impeachment bid have not been served with the originating summons of the suit as required by law. However, the Judge granted the request that the Edo State Governor and the State House of Assembly be served with the originating summons by substituted means. Specifically, Justice Omotoso ordered that the court process be pasted at the entrance gate of the Edo State Government House and the gate of the State House of Assembly Complex both in Benin. Besides, the Judge also directed that all court papers be served on parties in the matter with the use of a registered Courier Company. Justice Omotoso subsequently fixed April 15 for hearing of the case. The Deputy Governor, Phillip Shaibu who was in the room throughout the Wednesday’s proceedings declined to speak with newsmen. In the motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2024, the Edo State Government, Edo State Governor, Edo State House of Assembly, Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, the Clerk of the Assembly, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Inspector General of Police IGP and Director General of the Department of State Services DSS were listed as the first to eighth defendants. Shaibu, in the suit, sought an order of the court restricting the third to fifth defendants from commencing any process by issuing a notice of allegation, holding proceedings, or setting up any panel of investigation for his removal pending the hearing of a motion on notice. He also sought an interim injunction restraining the defendants, whether by themselves or their agents, from interfering with the subject matter of the originating summons filed in the suit either by way of taking any adverse actions in relation to any attempt or process targeted at his removal from office as the deputy governor of Edo State pending the hearing of the motion on notice. Other reliefs sought are: “An order of interim injunction restraining the 1st to 8th defendants, whether by themselves, their agents, privies, servants, officials, representatives, and or any other person or authority acting through them, from preventing the plaintiff either by threat of removal from office or adverse actions capable of hindering the plaintiff from performing his official duties and discharging his responsibilities as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, including attending State Executive Council meetings, functions and other duties. “An order of interim injunction directing the defendants herein jointly, whether by themselves, their agents, privies, servants, officials, representatives, or any other person or authority acting through them, to maintain status quo ante bellum prevailing before the issuance of the purported notice or petition to commence removal of the Plaintiff from office pending the hearing and the final determination of the motion on notice. ”