Kingsley Ohens
A group under the aegis of Concerned Edo State citizens for Good Governance has frowned at the violence allegedly orchestrated by the impeached former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu
The group in a statement on Friday signed by Lewis Imasuen Insurance, the
Convener, said it is regrettable that the former impeached Deputy Governor took laws into his hands aided by the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, APC State Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, APC State Youth Leader, Comrade Tony Kabaka.
They called on the Inspector General of Police and other relevant law enforcement agencies to as a matter of urgency arrest the former Deputy Governor Shaibu and others who aided in the ambush that took place yesterday in Benin City.
The statement reads, “We sincerely express our disappointment on the incidence which took place in Benin City yesterday 18th of July, 2024.
“Edo State is a peaceful State and the governor of the State, His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, has performed remarkably well in ensuring improved and better security for Edo State people.
“We frown at the violence Orchestrated by the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, upon his arrival at the Benin Airport yesterday. The unfortunate incidence according to reports and video clips made available to us took the life of a uniformed officer of the police. Sincere condolences to the family.
“Recall earlier in the day we alerted the good people of Edo State on the already cooked up plot by Philip Shaibu to mobilise thugs to create an unrest in the State.
“Shaibu, upon arrival at the Airport was served a notice of Stay of Execution by the police on the judgement from the Federal High Court reinstating him as the Deputy Governor. The notice of Stay was immediately filed by the Edo State House of Assembly pending hearing of the Appeal filed by the same organ in regards the impeachment of the former Deputy Governor.
“To our greatest shock, Shaibu ignored the notice and took to the streets of Benin, mobilising armed thugs to invade the government house in a plot to force his way into the office. The action which led to gunfire exchange with the police left many injured, one murdered, vehicles and properties destroyed.
“It is regrettable that the former impeached Deputy Governor took laws into his hands aided by the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, APC State Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, APC State Youth Leader, Comrade Tony Kabaka.
“We call on the Inspector General of Police and other relevant law enforcement agencies to as a matter of urgency arrest the former Deputy Governor, Shaibu and others who aided in the ambush that took place yesterday in Benin City.
“We want to reemphasize that Edo State people are peaceful and we are law abiding, we will not tolerate any act that would compromise our unity and conduct. We only recognise one Deputy Governor of the State who is His Excellency, Engr. Omobayo Marvellous Godwin. We call on the former Deputy Governor to refrain from the unlawful self affirmation as Deputy Governor as such actions are treated with strict punishment by law.
“We use this medium to thank Edo people for their peaceful conduct and implore them to go ahead with their businesses and activities.
“The Law enforcement agencies should double its security architecture today as we wouldn’t be wary of possible attempt by the Impeached former Deputy and his accomplices in making grievous moves that would serve as threats to the peace of our dear State.”
