Clutching the order of a Federal High Court, which declared his removal as Edo State Deputy Governor illegal, to his chest, Philip Shaibu on Thursday stormed Benin and headed to his office to assume duties.
He was, however, preempted by the security agents acting on the orders of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government.
The countermove turned bloody, in the attack by armed thugs in the convoy of the All Progressives Congress [APC] governorship standard bearer, Senator Monday Okpebholo, with whom Shaibu was driving. Into Benin from the airport
There were reported fatalities in the attack, which has raised the political temperature in the State.
The leaders and members of the leading political parties, particularly the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party to which Shaibu belongs are now locked in a political dance macabre of sorts.
Shaibu on Friday took a step further to heighten the state of anomie in Benin by announcing the reappointment of his former aides to their previous positions.
The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State approved the reappointment of the following officials:
– Hon. Kingsley Ehigiamusor as Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Edo State
– Comrade Musa Ebomhiana as Chief Press Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor
– Hon. Emmanuel Akhaba as Senior Special Assistant
– Mustapha Lawal as Senior Special Assistant (Omokpo)
– Charles Olubayo as Senior Special Assistant
– Mathias Akhanemhe as Special Assistant
– Comrade Robinson Akhenoba as Special Assistant
– Robert Ojele as Special Assistant
“The appointments take immediate effect.”
THE CONCLAVE reports that the Obaseki government is miffed about the move by the former deputy governor, which, accordibg to a a source close the government was tendetious and capable of plunging the state into bloody violence.
The source rapped Shaibu for not waiting for the juficisl process to terminate at te Supreme Court before rakjng steps to rush back to office.
“Does he think the matter has terminated at the High Court and the state government will not appeal? Why is he trying to cause mayhem in the state?”
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