“Edo Government House on High Alert: Security Personnel Surround as Shaibu Resumes Office”

Babatunji Wusu –

– Security Measures: Edo State Government House surrounded by security personnel to prevent unrest.
– Access Restrictions: Vehicles prohibited from entering; staff and visitors required to walk.
– Official Statement: Deputy Governor’s office denies plans for a forceful return.
– Call for Compliance: Musa urges Governor Obaseki to respect the court ruling affirming Shaibu’s position.
– Election Outcome: Emphasis on the rejection of Obaseki’s ally in the recent governorship election.

Personnel from various Nigerian security agencies have cordoned off the Edo State Government House amid reports that Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu planned to resume office today (Monday). The security presence includes police, Department of State Services (DSS) officials, and personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), supported by multiple Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to maintain order.

Access to the Government House has been restricted, with vehicles barred from entering through the first gate. Staff, journalists, visitors, and others have been asked to leave their cars behind and walk to the entrance.

In response, Shaibu’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebomhiana Musa, issued a statement denying any intent to “invade” the Government House. He emphasized that Shaibu is a peace-loving individual who upholds the rule of law and called on Governor Godwin Obaseki to comply with a court order affirming Shaibu’s position as Deputy Governor.

Musa stated, “We want to clarify that Philip Shaibu, unlike Governor Obaseki, believes in peaceful resolution and does not seek violence for any reason. According to the law and the will of the people, he is both the de jure and de facto Deputy Governor of Edo State.”

He urged Obaseki and his associates to accept the outcome of the recent governorship election, where Asue Ighodalo, Obaseki’s ally, was soundly rejected. Musa criticized Crusoe Osagie, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media Projects, for spreading what he termed “fake news” and described him as an alarmist who undermines journalistic integrity.

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