There were concerted efforts by some people described as ‘mischief makers’ and ‘political jobbers’ to destabilise Edo State and widen the gulf between the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, and the deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, the latter has said.
Reacting to what he described as ‘shocking’ statement by Governor Obaseki where he alleged desperation and a coup against him by the deputy governor, Shaibu while speaking to his aides in Benin City on Saturday, said political jobbers sold the dummy to the governor whom he referred to as his ‘elder brother’ with a view to provoking more crisis so they can benefit from it.
According to the deputy governor, it was preposterous to contemplate a coup to a man who has given him too much latitude.
The deputy governor while denouncing the allegations against him by Obsekei, stated categorically that the claims were not only “baseless but also malicious attempts by political jobbers hell-bent on misleading the governor with the singular aim of damaging my reputation and sowing seeds of discord between me and my brother governor.”
Edo: Unknotting The Obaseki-Shaibu Feud
Shaibu reiterated his unwavering loyalty to Governor Obaseki and the principles of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to which they both belong.
He added that it was a privilege to serve as Governor Obaseki’s deputy and consistently within the last seven years demonstrated his commitment to the advancement of a shared vision for Edo State, noting that any insinuation that he harbours ulterior motives or seeks to undermine the governor’s leadership was a fabrication.
He maintained that he believed in the power of teamwork and collaboration. As a testament to this, he said, himself and Governor Obaseki have worked tirelessly together to deliver on the promises they made to the good people of Edo State, point out that their achievements in various sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation, are a testament to this collective effort and the synergy between their offices.
He reiterated that as Deputy Governor, his role is to support and complement the Governor’s agenda, not to undermine it.
“I have consistently advocated for policies and initiatives that align with this administration’s goals and aspirations. It is disheartening to see such baseless allegations being propagated, as they only serve to distract the administration from its primary objective of serving the people of Edo State,” Shaibu stated.
Rt. Hon. Comrade Shaibu said he remains an unrepentant democrat who believes in the democratic process and respects the mandate given to Governor Obaseki and his humble self by the people of Edo State, adding that the idea that he would consider a coup to overthrow a democratically elected government was not only absurd but also deeply offensive.
The deputy governor urged the media and the public to approach the allegations with the skepticism they deserve. He encouraged all to focus on the issues that truly matter to the people of Edo State — improving their lives, providing quality education, ensuring accessible healthcare, and creating employment opportunities.
He concluded by reiterating that Governor Obaseki and himself are committed to the continued development of Edo State and united in their determination to build a prosperous and inclusive society.
He called all well-meaning individuals to reject the divisive narratives and join in the quest to transform Edo State into a model of sustainable development and good governance.
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