Benin City, Nigeria – A contentious dispute has arisen from a violent incident at Benin Airport, where the convoy of Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, and All Progressives Congress gubernatorial candidate, Monday Okpebholo, was attacked Thursday. Tensions have flared following the event, leading to mutual accusations between Shaibu and the state government.
The altercation cost the life of Inspector Akor Onuh, further escalating the political drama surrounding Shaibu’s recent reinstatement. Shaibu, addressing journalists on Friday, vehemently denied the government’s assertion that he orchestrated the attack. He expressed shock over the incident, noting his longstanding tactic of avoiding protests to circumvent direct confrontations with governmental forces.
Shaibu claims that the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, is responsible, suggesting the attack was an assassination attempt rooted in political rivalry. “I can tell you that Thursday’s attack was planned by the state governor to assassinate me,” Shaibu asserted, stating that the governor aimed to destroy him politically after deciding to contest for the gubernatorial position.
Further complicating matters, Shaibu has filed a defamation lawsuit demanding N5 billion from Governor Obaseki, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, and the governor’s special media adviser, Crusoe Osagie. This legal action stems from statements made by the aforementioned parties, which Shaibu claims are damaging to his reputation and political career.
On the other side of this fiery debate, Nehikhare dismissed Shaibu’s allegations as baseless. He countered that the violence was the result of actions by Shaibu’s own supporters, asserting that the deputy governor had mobilized thugs who were responsible for the shooting and subsequent chaos. “The accusation is nonsense,” Nehikhare said, indicating that Shaibu’s group initiated the melee, which tragically led to a police officer’s death.
“These were not random thugs, but people brought to the airport under Shaibu’s direction,” Nehikhare continued, hinting at available video evidence showcasing the disruptive behavior of Shaibu’s followers in the city on that fateful day.
In response to the chaotic scene and legal complexities, Shaibu declared he would conduct official duties from his residence to minimize further conflicts. Despite the contentious environment, he affirmed his commitment to his role and the continued receipt of all due entitlements and salaries as deputy governor.
As the community grapples with the ramifications of this violent conflict and its political undertones, the events at Benin Airport have undeniably deepened the rift within the local political landscape, setting a tense backdrop for the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Edo State.