Heavy security as Edo bars vehicles from accessing govt house 

Published By: Paul Dada By Jethro Ibileke  The Edo State Government House was heavily guarded by armed security operatives on Monday. This was perhaps with a view to forestalling the alleged plan by the reinstated Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu to forcefully resume in his office. It was observed that vehicles driven by security operatives have unfettered access to the Osadebe Avenue, while those of visitors and civil servants working in the premises were deprived access into the premises. The State Government had on Sunday in a statement by Crusoe Osagie, alleged that Shaibu had perfected plans to invade the Government House on Monday,  “to enforce his purported reinstatement despite the fact that a stay of execution appeal has been filed challenging Justice J. K. Omotosho ruling.” Osagie had called on the Inspector-General of Police and all well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on Shaibu to refrain from his devious plot as it is a clear recipe for chaos, given the fact that a policeman was killed the last time he attempted such action. “We want to draw the attention of the Inspector General of Police to the intelligence we have gathered regarding a planned move by Shaibu to forcefully enter the Edo State Government House to purportedly enforce the ruling of Justice J. K. Omotosho. “The stay of execution is still pending at the court of appeal and we appeal to the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that the state does not descend to anarchy because of the ambition of one man. The last time Shaibu attempted to do this, it led to the death of a police officer. We believe that is one death too many and it is only wise for us to prevent a repeat of such,” he said. But Shaibu denied  having any such plan. He in a statement by his spokesperson, Ebomhiana Musa, urged the public to ignore the allegation, describing it as fake news. The statement said: “We want to put it clearly here that, unlike Governor Godwin Obaseki, Philip Shaibu is a peace loving man, who firmly believes in the rule of law and would not want to shed innocent blood for whatever reason. “As it is today, in eyes of the law and in the eyes of the good people of Edo State and Nigerians, Philip Shaibu is the de jure and de facto Deputy Governor of Edo State. We need not fight or struggle for that which God has given us.”