Officials from the Edo State Network and members of the Public Works Volunteers carried out the demolition of the security post located in front of the former deputy governor Philip Shaibu’s residence in the Government Reservation Area, Benin, on Sunday.
Shaibu was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly the previous Monday over allegations of leaking official secrets and perjury. This decision followed the consideration of a report by a seven-man panel appointed by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Daniel Okungbowa. Governor Godwin Obaseki subsequently appointed Marvellous Omobayo as the new deputy governor to replace Shaibu.
Shaibu has contested his impeachment in court, arguing that he is being persecuted for exercising his fundamental human rights by aspiring to succeed his boss.
The demolition of the security post, situated next to the golf course, marks a new development in the ongoing saga. The post served as a temporary shelter for Shaibu’s security personnel.
A senior member of one of the agencies involved in the demolition, speaking anonymously, stated that the security post was removed because Shaibu is now a private citizen and no longer entitled to such privileges.
However, the state Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Eta Uzamere, denied any involvement of his ministry in the demolition, dismissing online reports linking the ministry to the incident.
An aide to Shaibu criticized the demolition, claiming that the security outpost was built by Shaibu himself and not by the government, emphasizing what they perceive as the government’s unjust actions.
