…you cannot force yourself on Edo people
By Ehihamen Clifford
Over the years, we have always maintained that the character of leaders we elect into public offices is more important than the office itself.
When leaders who are supposed to be ambassadors of peace and driving the same in the society resort to violent means of engaging issues, it is shameful, to say the least.
From his (Philips) days at the Edo State House of Assembly, where he clandestinely finds his way into the office of the major leader of the house, Philip’s tendencies to perpetuate violence crime and disabilities the society has been second to none. During that era, Edo people saw a house full of rancour, turbulence and thuggery activities, which extended to disturbing businesses within the King’s Square axis. Many a time, Edo State House of Assembly will be barricaded while economic activities are grounded to a holt.
This recent violent action and forceful display of political gangsterism demonstrated by Philips Shaibu that have claimed the life of a dedicated mobile police officer in Edo state and many left with various degrees of injuries is worrisome and must not be swept under the carpet.
Talking about the court process and the rule of law, Shaibu should know better that a judgement at the lower court does not finalise a matter under judicial jurisprudence. Except otherwise, matters will have to go to the appeal court and even the supreme court, which is the apex court of the land whose decision cannot be appealed.
Having been duly impeached by the legislative arm of government in Edo state, the least expected of a supposed responsible leader is to patiently wait for the completion of the legal process and when need be, the law enforcement agencies are solely recognised to enforce court judgment. Shaibu resorted to mobilising thugs, agberoes, cultists, and hoodlums fully armed with guns to force his way into the government house against the will of Edo people and the law. This amounts to a treasonable felony and must be treated as such.
It was of good authority that the commissioner of Police in Edo state was at the airport to prevail on Shaibu from taking laws into his hands. Because his appetite for violence and the joy he derives from spilling the blood of innocent citizens during his political engagements from time to memorial, is nothing to write home about. He disregarded the Police and proceeded in a rioting manner into the streets of Edo with his thuggery shooting at random.
It is sad that the Edo state command has lost a fine, gentle, and hard-working officer as a result of the wayward attitude of Shaibu.
I call on the NPF to investigate and prosecute Shaibu, while he takes full responsibility for the families the slaine police officer left behind as there must be consequences for our actions no matter how highly placed in the society.
Rest well, officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, our sincere condolences to your families and the NPF.
Ehidiamen Clifford is the Spokesperson for MOVEMENT FOR ESAN GOVERNOR AGENDA (MEGA)
