Government House On Lockdown: Heavy Security Presence As Shaibu Prepares To Resume Office In Edo!

Personnel from various Nigerian security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have cordoned off the Edo State Government House following reports that Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu would resume office today (Monday). Several Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were deployed to prevent any potential breach of peace.

Vehicles were stopped at the first gate of the Government House, with staff, journalists, and visitors asked to proceed on foot, leaving their vehicles behind.

Meanwhile, Shaibu’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebomhiana Musa, released a statement denying any plans for an invasion of the Osadebe House. Musa emphasized that Shaibu is committed to peace and the rule of law, urging Governor Godwin Obaseki to comply with court rulings affirming Shaibu as the state’s legitimate Deputy Governor.

“Our attention has been drawn to claims that the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, is planning to invade Government House today to enforce two court rulings reinstating him,” Musa stated.

“We want to make it clear that Philip Shaibu, unlike Governor Obaseki, is a peace-loving man who believes in the rule of law and would never resort to violence. He remains, in the eyes of the law and the people of Edo State, the legitimate Deputy Governor. There is no need to struggle for what God has ordained.”

Musa also criticized the Governor’s media adviser, Crusoe Osagie, dismissing the claims as baseless rumors and accusing Osagie of spreading false information.

He further noted that Obaseki’s preferred candidate, Asue Ighodalo, was decisively rejected in the September 21, 2024, governorship election, though the Governor and his allies are yet to come to terms with this reality.