The court-reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr. Philip Shaibu, officially rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday.
This move coincided with calls from the Edo State Government for the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the alleged violence and public unrest instigated by Shaibu while enforcing his court judgment.
Shaibu, who initially belonged to the APC before defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2020, was impeached on April 8, 2024, over allegations of gross misconduct. However, a Federal High Court in Abuja nullified his impeachment last week, reinstating him to office.
During his defection back to the APC, Shaibu declared his intention to add value to the party and expressed readiness to support the APC’s governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa. The event saw Shaibu publicly kneeling before Senator Adams Oshiomhole, which garnered applause from supporters.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has petitioned the IG, requesting a thorough investigation into the violence on July 18, 2024, which resulted in the death of Inspector Akor Onuh and significant property damage. The petition, signed by the state Solicitor General Prof. Faith Osadolor, accused Shaibu of using armed thugs to enforce the court order, bypassing the judicial process. The government claimed this action aimed to make the state ungovernable and potentially prompt a state of emergency declaration.
The petition highlighted the immediate appeal and motion for a stay of execution filed by the state following the court’s judgment, which Shaibu allegedly ignored. The government asserted that Shaibu’s actions included an armed invasion of Benin Airport and subsequent attacks on citizens and properties, resulting in the death of a police officer and injuries to several individuals.
The state government emphasized the need for justice and accountability, urging the IG to investigate and, if necessary, prosecute those responsible for the violence