Benin City, Nigeria – Allegations and counter-allegations have arisen following the recent airport gate attack on the convoy of Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Monday Okpebholo. Shaibu has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of orchestrating an assassination attempt on his life, while the state government claims that Shaibu planned the attack that resulted in the death of Inspector Akor Onuh at the Benin Airport gate.
Shaibu, who was reinstated as deputy governor, expressed shock at the attack and stated that he has refrained from inciting protests over the past year to avoid conflict with the state government. Additionally, he has initiated a N5 billion defamation suit against Governor Obaseki, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare, and Governor’s Special Adviser on Media Project Crusoe Osagie.
In response to the allegations, Nehikhare denied that Governor Obaseki orchestrated the attack. He accused Shaibu of mobilizing the armed thugs who shot at individuals and killed the police inspector, asserting that they were Shaibu’s supporters waiting to welcome him at the airport. Nehikhare dismissed Shaibu’s claim of a planned assassination by the governor, stating that it was Shaibu’s own thugs who perpetrated the violence.
Shaibu defended his innocence, emphasizing that he had arrived in Benin peacefully from Abuja and was not involved in planning any attack. He maintained his position as deputy governor and announced his intention to work from home to prevent further confrontations. Despite the denial of involvement by Governor Obaseki’s camp, Shaibu remains steadfast in his accusations and legal actions against those he believes defamed him.
The situation remains tense in Edo State as both sides exchange accusations and mount legal challenges against each other. The aftermath of the airport gate attack has brought to light deep-seated political tensions and animosities between the governor and his reinstated deputy, threatening to destabilize the state’s political landscape. As investigations continue and legal battles ensue, the people of Edo State remain divided over the conflicting narratives presented by Shaibu and the state government.