The Edo State government has accused reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu of mobilizing thugs who unleashed violence in Benin, resulting in the death of Inspector Onuh Akoh. Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, made the allegation in a statement on Friday, while also affirming that Shaibu remains impeached despite a court ruling.
Following the judgement that reinstated Shaibu, the Edo government filed a notice of appeal and a stay of execution. According to Nehikhare, this legal move means the status quo should be maintained until the appeal is decided, effectively keeping Shaibu impeached for the time being.
Nehikhare detailed the incident, stating that Shaibu, disregarding the stay of execution and law enforcement warnings, gathered armed thugs at the Benin airport to make a show of his return. This act, he claimed, led to widespread mayhem, injuries, property destruction, and the tragic death of Inspector Onuh Akoh.
“The State Commissioner of Police, with the intelligence available to him, rushed to the Airport, approached Shaibu, and informed him of the filed stay of execution which he had in his possession, warning the former deputy governor against marching to the Edo State Government House, which was Shaibu’s original plan,” Nehikhare said. Despite these warnings, Shaibu allegedly led the thugs into the city, causing chaos.
The Edo State government condemned the violence and extended condolences to the Nigerian Police Force and the family of the deceased officer. The incident has also drawn criticism from the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
PDP State Chairman Tony Aziegbemi expressed shock and condemnation over the violence. He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, of orchestrating the chaos to destabilize the state ahead of the upcoming governorship election.
“The incident that happened yesterday at the Benin Airport was unfortunate and unacceptable. It shows how desperate the APC handlers have become in their bid to foist their candidate on the Edo people,” Aziegbemi stated. He urged Shaibu and the APC to allow the legal process to run its course and to refrain from further instigating violence.
Aziegbemi also reminded the parties involved to maintain the status quo as required when an appeal and stay of execution are filed. He called on the APC to prepare for the elections responsibly rather than engaging in violent distractions.