Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja
Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of being the mastermind of Thursday’s attack on his convoy in Benin, the state capital, by unknown gunmen.
In the attack which occurred as Shaibu arrived at Benin Airport and was heading towards the city, a policeman attached to the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo was killed. Three other policemen were seriously injured. Okphebolo himself, who was part of Shaibu’s convoy from the Airport, was reportedly hospitalised following the attack by the gunmen.
Shaibu has, however, alleged that the gun attack against him was an assassination attempt orchestrated by the Governor Obaseki.
He denied the claim that he planned the attack that took the life of Inspector Akor Onuh at the exit of Benin Airport.
Shaibu alleged, “I was taken aback by the attack. In the last one year, I have refused to call for a protest to avoid confrontation with the State Government and their agents.
“I can tell you that Thursday’s attack was planned by the State Governor to assassinate me. The Governor vowed to destroy me when I remained resolute to vie for the position of Governor.
“They said I was the one who planned the attack but I came in peacefully from Abuja to the State capital. Why were the armed thugs laying ambush for me? Were they expecting a visitor?”