Violence in Benin over Shuaibu's reinstatement, policeman killed

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The Edo State government has warned Mr. Philip Shuaibu, not to cause violence in the state in the of enforcing the judgement he secured from the Federal High Court reinstating him as the deputy governor.

The state’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, who referred to Shaibu as former deputy governor, warned his followers against violence.

The commissioner warned Shaibu against the destruction of properties by thugs suspected to be loyal to him.

In a statement, the commissioner said: “The Edo State government has observed the level of wanton destruction perpetrated by thugs and elements working in connivance with former Deputy Governor of the State, Philip Shaibu, in the guise of purportedly enforcing a judgement reinstating him in office.

“Shaibu led thugs through the Airport Road axis of Benin City, attacking innocent citizens and unleashing mayhem on private citizens who are going about their lawful businesses.

“The State Government, through this statement, is warning Shaibu to desist from this turn to violence on the pretence that he is enforcing a judgement. He is reminded that he is not above the law and is liable for the wanton destruction perpetrated by him and his co-travellers.”

However, the violence in Benin came in the wake of resistance by the state government against the reinstatement of Shuaibu according to the order of an Abuja Federal High Court’s judgement.

The violence occurred at the Benin Airport Road, when the reception party of Shuaibu was attacked, with the security aide attached to the People’s Democratic Party’s governorship candidate was killed.

On Wednesday, the Abuja court nullified Shaibu’s impeachment.

Indeed, Justice James Omotosho, of the Abuja Federal High Court, in his judgement, ordered Shuaibu’s reinstatement to office because the Edo State House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in the impeachment.

The Edo State House of Assembly had impeached Shaibu following his face-off with Governor Godwin Obaseki