Tight security at Edo Govt House as Obaseki blocks Shaibu’s return

• … Shaibu defies govt, inspects ongoing projects

There was heavy security deployment on Monday at the Edo State Government House (Osadebe Avenue) following reports that Philip Shaibu, the impeached deputy governor, had concluded plans to resume office.

Shaibu had earlier challenged his impeachment in court, and a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice J. K. Omotosho, annulled the impeachment and ordered his reinstatement. However, the Edo State government has not complied, citing a stay of execution appeal.

On Monday, visitors and civil servants were seen trekking long distances to the government house after parking their vehicles on the roadside, as only security vehicles were allowed free access.

A civil servant, speaking anonymously, expressed surprise at the heavy security presence around the government complex. The official described the atmosphere as tense, with many unsure of what might happen next.

The state government, through a statement from Crusoe Osagie, spokesman to Governor Obaseki, on Sunday accused Shaibu of planning to “invade” the government house to enforce his reinstatement.

Osagie called on the Inspector General of Police to prevent any escalation, warning that Shaibu’s actions could lead to chaos.

However, Shaibu’s spokesperson, Ebomhiana Musa, refuted the allegations, insisting that Shaibu remained the rightful deputy governor.

“We want to make it clear that, unlike Governor Godwin Obaseki, Philip Shaibu is a peace-loving man who believes firmly in the rule of law. He would never resort to violence or shed innocent blood for any reason,” Musa stated.

Shaibu defies govt, inspects ongoing projects

Meanwhile, Shaibu on Monday defied the state government’s warnings by inspecting ongoing projects in Edo State. The projects inspected included the multi-billion naira five-star Radisson Blu Hotel, the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA), and reconstruction work on Okada Avenue and Central Road.

During a visit to the MOWAA site, Shaibu expressed his reservations about the location of the project. “Work is about 80 per cent completed, but this site was originally designated for a central hospital, not a museum,” he remarked.

At the Radisson Blu project, Shaibu expressed satisfaction with the scope of work but emphasised the importance of overseeing the completion of major projects under the current administration.

Commenting on his status as deputy governor, Shaibu criticised the Obaseki administration for undermining his constitutional office. “The Office of the Deputy Governor is not under Obaseki; it is created by the constitution. I have resumed work, and it’s time to move forward,” Shaibu asserted.

In response, Osagie reiterated that Shaibu, like any private citizen, could visit government projects but warned against any actions that might violate the law.