Edo Government Demolishes Security Post at Former Deputy Governor Shaibu’s Residence

Officials from the Edo State Network and members of the Public Works Volunteers descended upon the Government Reservation Area in Benin on Sunday to dismantle the security post stationed in front of the residence of former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.

Shaibu, who was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly last Monday on charges of leaking official secrets and perjury, witnessed the removal of the security post, which shared a fence with the adjacent golf course.

The impeachment came after the consideration of a report by a seven-man panel appointed by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Daniel Okungbowa. Following Shaibu’s removal from office, Governor Godwin Obaseki appointed Marvellous Omobayo as the new deputy governor.

Shaibu, however, denounced his impeachment and has since taken legal action to challenge the decision, alleging persecution for exercising his fundamental human rights and expressing his desire to succeed his former boss.

The demolition of the security post marks a new chapter in the ongoing saga, as it served as a temporary shelter and a point of security for Shaibu’s personnel before and after work hours.

Responding to the demolition, a senior official involved in the exercise, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the removal was justified as Shaibu, now a private citizen, no longer warranted such privileges.

Meanwhile, Eta Uzamere, the Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, denied any involvement of his ministry in the demolition, refuting online reports linking the ministry to the exercise.

An aide to Shaibu expressed dismay over the demolition, claiming that the security post was privately built by Shaibu himself, not by the government. The aide criticized the state government, labeling its actions as “wicked.”