The Edo State Government has accused the reinstated Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu, of mobilising the thugs who unleashed terror on Benin which led to the death of Inspector Onuh Akoh.
The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, who stated this in a statement on Friday, also said that the deputy governor remained impeached.
The commissioner said following the judgement reinstating Shaibu, the Edo government immediately filed a notice of appeal and stay of execution on the judgement, as it is the government’s right.
According to him, the appeal has been communicated to the relevant authorities, including the police, in accordance with the law.
Nehikhare said the filing of a stay of execution in response to a court order or judgement means that the status quo was maintained by all parties.
He said, “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.”
He added: “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.
“The incident is condemnable and unacceptable and the Edo State Government condoles with the Nigerian Police Force and the family of the police officer who tragically lost his life in that incident.”
The chairman of the State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tony Aziegbemi, described the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable.
Aziegbemi said, “The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, has expressed shock over the wanton destruction of property and the death of a police officer as a result of the violence orchestrated by thugs of the APC under the guise of enforcing the Abuja Federal High Court’s judgement that reinstated the impeached deputy governor of Edo State, Comrade Phillip Shuaibu.
“The party is worried about the desperation of the APC and its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo to cause confusion and chaos in Edo State since they are obviously not ready for the coming governorship election in the state.
“The incident that happened yesterday at the Benin Airport was unfortunate and unacceptable. It shows how desperate the APC handlers have become in their bid to foist their candidate on the Edo people. It is quite disheartening that an innocent Police officer lost his life due to the violence unleashed on innocent citizens by the APC led by its governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
“It is common knowledge that when a court of first instance gives a judgment, once there is a notice of appeal and an appeal for a stay of execution, the parties are expected to maintain the status quo. We advise the impeached deputy governor of Edo State to allow the law to take its full course and stop instigating violence in Edo State. He should await the outcome of the judgements of the Appeal and ultimately the Supreme Court.
“The APC is advised to reign in their members as no responsible government will fold its hands and watch hoodlums harass, maim, and kill its citizens. He advised the APC to prepare for the elections instead of engaging in unnecessary distractions.’