All plans by Edo State deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, to formally declare his intention to contest the 2024 governorship election appear set as he throws his hat into the ring against all odds.
It was gathered that an earlier hotel located in the highbrow Government Reserved Area (GRA) and was paid for by the deputy governor later denied him the use of the venue.
It was learnt that a staff of the popular hotel owned by a prominent PDP chieftain had contacted the deputy governor that a group under the aegis of Obaseki Finishing Well Group, (OFG), had paid for the same venue and subsequently refunded the money paid for the use of the venue back to Shaibu.
A source in the know over the development stated, “We found this very preposterous that we were contacted by the hotel management that a group had paid for the same venue we paid for and that they have a programme slated for 7am same date. We know where this is coming from. Whatever their plans to frustrate our declaration will definitely fail. They are jittery over Shaibu’s declaration and popularity”.
Recall that the deputy governor’s plan was contained in a letter issued by the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation which was dated November 23 and signed by the deputy governor; a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Benin.
The letter which was titled ‘Special Invitation,’ read, “On behalf of Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation, I invite you to honour me with your esteemed presence as I offer myself to serve as the Chief Servant (Governor) of Edo State.”
As stated in the letter, the event is scheduled to be held today at the Eterno Hotels by 8am.
Shaibu’s ambition has put him at loggerheads with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is believed not to be disposed to his deputy taking over from him.
At the height of the face-off, Shaibu approached an Abuja High Court to stop Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from impeaching him.
He later withdrew the case after the intervention of well-meaning individuals.
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