The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has announced that he has instituted a N50 billion defamation and contempt of court suit against the State Government, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare, and Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser on Media Project.
Philip Shaibu disclosed this to newsmen while reacting to his reinstatement by the Federal High Court, Abuja. The court’s judgement was clear and firm, reinstating him to his position as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. Shaibu emphasized that this judgement was declarative and must be respected and followed by all parties involved.
According to Shaibu, the court’s decision also included a perpetual restraint against the state government and its agents from hindering him in any way from performing his official duties as the deputy governor. He pointed out that the court made it clear that his position was never vacant as per the relevant sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Shaibu expressed his disappointment with Chris Nehikhare and Crusoe Osagie for their continuous insistence that he remained impeached. “I am not surprised that Nehikhare and Osagie were insisting that I remain impeached. They insisted so because they don’t read and study the court judgement before sending out their responses, which is their mode of operation.”
He further explained that the court’s judgement reinstating him was declarative and must be executed before any appeal over the matter could be heard. He mentioned that the stay of judgement execution filed by the state government was futile and could not proceed until the judgement had been implemented.
Shaibu revealed that he had already initiated a N50 billion defamation suit against the governor, Nehikhare, and Osagie. “I have already instituted a N50 billion suit against the governor, Nehikhare, and Osagie for defamation. They will be served next week,” he stated.
In addition to the legal battles, Shaibu alleged that there was an assassination attempt on his life, orchestrated by the governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki. He firmly denied any involvement in the attack that resulted in the death of Inspector Akor Onuh at the exit of Benin Airport. Shaibu expressed his shock and dismay over the incident.
“I was taken aback by the attack. In the last one year, I have refused to call for a protest to avoid confrontation with the state government and their agents,” he said. Shaibu claimed that the attack was a deliberate plan by the state governor to eliminate him. “I can tell you that Thursday’s attack was planned by the state governor to assassinate me. The governor vowed to destroy me when I remained resolute to vie for the position of governor.”
Shaibu questioned the motives behind the ambush and wondered why armed thugs were waiting for him at the airport. “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?” he asked.
Shaibu’s allegations have added a new layer of tension to the already strained relationship between him and the state government. His accusations have brought to light the intense political rivalry and the lengths to which it can escalate. The deputy governor’s firm stance and legal actions indicate his determination to clear his name and hold those responsible accountable.
The ongoing conflict between Shaibu and the state government is expected to have significant political implications in Edo State. The court’s ruling in favor of Shaibu is a critical juncture in this dispute, and its enforcement will be closely watched by both supporters and opponents. The defamation suit and the assassination attempt allegations have further complicated the political landscape, making the situation more volatile.
Shaibu’s legal team is preparing to serve the defamation suit, and the process is expected to draw considerable public and media attention. The deputy governor’s claims of an assassination attempt have also raised security concerns, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the incident.
As the situation unfolds, the people of Edo State are keenly observing the developments. The court’s role in upholding justice and the state’s response to the deputy governor’s reinstatement are critical factors that will shape the future political dynamics of the region. Shaibu’s determination to fight back against what he perceives as unjust actions against him reflects his resolve to protect his political career and ensure that the rule of law prevails.
The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has taken significant legal steps against the state government and key officials, asserting his rights and challenging the actions taken against him. His allegations of an assassination attempt add a serious dimension to the ongoing political conflict. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of this high-stakes political battle, with the court’s decisions and the responses from the involved parties playing pivotal roles.
