By Lucky Isibor
The Edo State government has called on the Nigeria Police and the Federal Government to call Shaibu to order as he’s not above the law, pointing out that his immunity has lapsed with his impeachment, noting that it has not been restored by the Court as the Court’s pronouncement nullifying his impeachment has been appealed and stay of execution of same sought.
The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare stated the government’s position while briefing journalists in Benin City, Friday on Shaibu’s alleged involvement in the shootings, in Benin City on Thursday, 18 July.
While calling on the Federal Government and the Police high command to commence investigation into the breach of law and order in Edo last Thursday, Nehikhare stressed that the State Commissioner of Police, with the intelligence available to him, went to the airport with the intelligence available to him to prevail on Shaibu to stay action on his alleged plans to enforce the Court order 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.
“Following the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, which faulted the impeachment of the former deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, the Edo State Government immediately filed a notice of appeal and stay of execution on the judgement, as it is the government’s right. This we have since communicated to the relevant authorities, including the Police, in accordance with the law.
“The filing of a stay of execution in response to a court order or judgement means that the status quo is maintained by all parties. Therefore, Philip Shaibu remains impeached as the deputy Governor of Edo State until the Appeal Court decides otherwise. More so, the enforcement of a court judgment is neither carried out by the parties involved nor their hirelings, but by law enforcement agents.
“But in a blatant disregard for the stay of execution as well as law and order, Philip Shaibu mobilized thugs armed with sophisticated weapons within and outside the Airport compound in a bid to make a show of his return to Benin following the court judgement, unleashing mayhem on the people and stirring crisis in the State in the guise of executing the Federal High Court judgement.
“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.
“With the disappointment by this development, Shaibu disregarded the advice and warnings from the Commissioner of Police and exited the airport precincts into the waiting crowd of thugs who then moved with him into the City, shooting sporadically and unleashing mayhem on innocent citizens, who were minding their lawful businesses.
“This mindless shooting and breakdown of law and order resulted in the wanton destruction of property, infliction of various degrees of injuries on passersby and security operatives and the loss of the life of a Policeman”.
While expressing the Edo State government condolences to the family of the slain Police officer in the mayhem and the Nigeria Police, Nehikhare assured the public that will spare no efforts in protecting lives and properties of residents in the state.
“The incident is condemnable and unacceptable and the Edo State Government condole’s with the Nigerian Police Force and the family of the police officer who tragically lost his life in that incident. It’s quite disappointing but not surprising that the Commissioner of Police despite his intervention couldn’t rein in Philip Shaibu and his thugs, leading to this unnecessary loss of life.
“We know that the game plan of Shaibu and his ilk was to cause as much destruction, mayhem, and chaos within the Benin metropolis with the aim of creating a sense of unrest and crisis so that they could cry and appeal to the Federal Government as victims, expecting them to, in response, begin the arrest of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, including myself, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation. Federal Government or Federal might is the only campaign strategy they boastfully articulate whenever they talk of the election. This episode is just one of the scenes in their how to capture Edo script.
“The Edo State Government is calling on the Federal Government and the Inspector General of Police to immediately begin investigations to unravel the root cause of this breach of law and order in the State as well as the death of the gallant police officer whose duty it was to protect the APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and ensure that the culprits are prosecuted.
“The Edo State Government will not sit idly and watch just one person or a group of persons bring down the roof on the entire State on the back of his or their selfish motivations and in gross violation of the laws of the land.
“We urge the general public to be rest assured that government will spare no resource in ensuring the protection of lives and property of the people of the State as is required by law”.