By Chukwuemeka Umesi
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In a stunning turn of events, reinstated Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of orchestrating an assassination attempt against him. This comes after a gun attack on Thursday, which resulted in the death of Inspector Akor Onuh at the exit of the Benin Airport.
Shaibu expressed his shock and dismay at the attack, stating that he has deliberately avoided calling for protests in the past year to prevent confrontation with the state government and its agents.
He emphasized that he has taken legal action against Obaseki, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Project Crusoe Osagie for defamation, seeking N5 billion in damages.
Shaibu argued that the court judgment reinstating him was clear and must be executed before any appeal can be heard. He accused Nehikhare and Osagie of not understanding the judgment, which he claims is their usual mode of operation. Shaibu vehemently denied planning the attack, questioning why armed thugs would be waiting in ambush for him if he had indeed orchestrated the incident.
He emphasized that he had arrived peacefully in the state capital from Abuja and had no reason to provoke violence.”I can confidently say that Thursday’s attack was planned by the state governor to assassinate me,” Shaibu alleged.
“The governor had previously vowed to destroy me when I refused to back down from my gubernatorial ambitions.”In response, Commissioner Chris Nehikhare dismissed Shaibu’s allegations as “nonsense.” He claimed that the thugs responsible for the attack were
mobilized by Shaibu himself and were supporters who had gathered at the airport to welcome their boss.Nehikhare argued that Shaibu was trying to clear his name after realizing the gravity of the situation. He insisted that Shaibu’s thugs were responsible for the mayhem and the death of the police inspector.
“We have videos of Shaibu’s thugs causing chaos in the city on Thursday, and he must be held accountable for his actions,” Nehikhare said.The accusations and counter-accusations have raised tensions in Edo State, with both sides digging in their heels.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the political landscape in Edo State has become increasingly volatile.