The Edo State Government, at the weekend, said it uncovered plans by the reinstated Deputy Governor of the State, Philip Shaibu, to invade the Government House today, to enforce his reinstatement by the court.
 
Calling for caution on all parties, the state government said it has filed a stay of execution appeal challenging Justice J. K. Omotosho’s ruling reinstating Shaibu.
 
The Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Project, Crusoe Osagie, stated this in a statement on Saturday.
 
He called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and all well-meaning Nigerians “to prevail on Shaibu to refrain from his devious plot, as it is a 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 IGP to the intelligence we have gathered regarding a planned move by the erstwhile deputy governor to forcefully enter the Government House to 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 IGP 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 to prevent a repeat of such.”
 
Osagie disclosed that the government lawyers have written to the IGP and other stakeholders, highlighting that “all actions relating to the enforcement and/or execution of the judgement of Justice J. K. Omotosho in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/478/2024 be stayed pending the hearing and determination of the Motion for Stay of Execution/Injunction Pending Appeal so as not to foist a situation of helplessness on the Court of Appeal and render the order nugatory in the case that the application is granted.”
 
He added that the appeal raised special circumstances and substantial arguable grounds in respect of which the court ought to grant the application, as this will ensure that the plaintiff/respondent (Philip Shaibu) does nothing to cause a breach of the peace or breakdown of law and order in Benin City and Edo State.
  
Reacting, Shaibu’s Chief Press Secretary, Musa Ebomhiana, in a statement yesterday, denied allegations, insisting that the government should accept the fact that the 2024 governorship election had been concluded.