Reinstated Edo Dep Gov Shaibu Resumes Duty at Home

The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has said he will be working from home to prevent conflicts.

It was gathered that Shaibu had informed Governor Godwin Obaseki of his decision to work from home as his deputy.

He also called on all his staff to resume, adding that their salaries and entitlements would be paid in full.

He said, “I have resumed, recalled all my staff and I will be working from home to prevent any confrontation. I remain the deputy governor. All salary and entitlement will be paid,” he said in a statement.

Shaibu also debunked the claims that he had any involvement in the attack that took place in Benin on Thursday which claimed the life of a police inspector, Akor Onuh.

Shaibu stated this while reacting to the state government’s alleged claim that he planned the attack that took the life of Onuh at the exit of the Benin Airport.

The deputy governor told journalists that he was surprised by the attack, noting that he had in the last year avoided calling for a protest to avoid confrontation with the state government and their agents.

He said, “They said I was the one who planned the attack but I came in peacefully from Abuja to the state capital. Why were the armed thugs laying ambush for me? Were they expecting a visitor?
“I have already instituted a N5bn suit against the governor, Nehikhare and Osagie for defamation. They will be served next week."

The Edo State government had accused Shaibu of orchestrating violence that led to Akoh’s death.

This development came after a Federal High Court judgment reinstated Shaibu, which the state government has appealed.

In a statement on Friday, the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, emphasised that Shaibu remained impeached pending the outcome of the appeal.

He stated, “The filing of a stay of execution in response to a court order means that the status quo is maintained. Therefore, Philip Shaibu remains impeached as the Deputy Governor of Edo State until the Appeal Court decides otherwise.”

Nehikhare accused Shaibu of mobilising armed thugs to create chaos in Benin City under the guise of celebrating his reinstatement.

He described the incident as a ‘blatant disregard for law and order'.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has expressed shock over the violence and destruction.

The state PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, criticised the APC for allegedly instigating the chaos.

Obaseki’s administration maintained that Shaibu’s reinstatement was invalid pending the appeal, while Shaibu insisted on his legal right to resume office.

Meanwhile, Shaibu, on Friday in a statement, reappointed Kingsley Ehigiamusoe, as his Chief of Staff.

Shaibu also approved the reappointment of Musa Ebomhiana as Chief Press Secretary.

He also made seven other appointments which were with immediate effect.