Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has initiated a N50 billion lawsuit for defamation and contempt of court against the state government, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare, and Special Adviser on Media Projects Crusoe Osagie.
Shaibu announced the legal action following his reinstatement by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court’s ruling, he stated, was declarative and required immediate implementation. The judgement, according to Shaibu, also barred the state government and its representatives from obstructing his duties, affirming that his position as deputy governor was never vacant.
Shaibu criticized Nehikhare and Osagie for their continued claims that he remained impeached, accusing them of not reviewing the court’s decision properly before making public statements. He emphasized that the ruling must be enforced before any appeal could be considered, and indicated that the state’s appeal for a stay of execution would not be successful until the judgment is executed.
Additionally, Shaibu claimed that the recent gun attack against him was an assassination attempt orchestrated by Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki. He refuted allegations that he planned the attack, which resulted in the death of Inspector Akor Onuh at Benin Airport. Shaibu expressed shock over the attack and suggested it was part of a larger scheme by the governor to eliminate him due to his political ambitions.
Shaibu stated, “I was taken aback by the attack. I have avoided calling for protests over the past year to prevent confrontation with the state government. The attack was planned to assassinate me after I remained steadfast in my bid for the governorship.”
