Tension heightened at the Edo State Government House on Osadebey Way in the Government Reservation Road as security operatives ensured strict restrictions on movements into the Edo State Government House on Monday.

The security beef-up at the Government House is connected to allegations that the reinstated Deputy of the State, Philip Shaibu, had perfected plans to invade the State Government House today, Monday, September 30, to enforce his reinstatement by the court.

Vehicles of visitors and civil servants working in the premises were also denied access.

Recall that the state government had on Sunday, in a statement by Crusoe Osagie, alleged that the reinstated Philip Shaibu had perfected plans to invade the Government House on Monday, September 30, “to enforce his purported reinstatement despite the fact that a stay of execution appeal has been filed challenging Justice J. K. Omotosho’s ruling.”

Governor Obaseki’s aide 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 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 into 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.

Meanwhile, the reinstated Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has denied making attempts to invade the Government House.

Shaibu, in a statement by his spokesperson, Ebomhiana Musa, urged the public to ignore the allegation, describing it as fake news.

He said: “We want to make it clear 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 stands today, in the 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.”