Comrade Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo State has those he described as mischief makers and political jobbers of making a concerted effort to widen the gulf between him and Governor Godwin Obaseki, thereby destabilise the peace in the state.

Reacting to a ‘shocking’ statement by Governor Obaseki where he alleged desperation and a coup to oust him, Shaibu while speaking to his aides in Benin on Saturday, said political jobbers sold the dummy to the governor whom he referred to as ‘elder brother’ with a view to provoking more crisis so they can benefit from it.

According to him, it is preposterous to contemplate a coup to a man who has given him too much latitude.

The Deputy Governor, who denounced the allegations, stated categorically that these claims are not only baseless but also malicious attempts by political jobbers hell-bent on misleading the governor with the singular aim of damaging his reputation and sowing seeds of discord “between me and my brother governor.”

Shaibu reiterated his unwavering loyalty to Governor Obaseki and the principles of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to which they both belong.

He stated further that it is a privilege to serve as Governor Obaseki’s Deputy, adding that he has consistently within the last seven years demonstrated his commitment to the advancement of a shared vision for Edo State. Shuaibu described insinuation that he harbours ulterior motives or seeks to undermine the Governor’s leadership as nothing short of a fabrication.

He maintained that he believes in the power of teamwork and collaboration. As a testament to this, the deputy governor added that he has worked tirelessly with Governor Obaseki to deliver on the promises they made to the good people of Edo State with achievements in various sectors, including; education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation.

Continuing, Shuaibu noted 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,” he said.

He reiterated his resolve to remain an unrepentant democrat who believes in the democratic process and respects the mandate given to Governor Obaseki and himself by the people of the state. He, however, described the insinuation that he would consider a coup to overthrow a democratically elected government as not only absurd but also deeply offensive.

The deputy governor urged the media and the public to approach these 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.

Shuaibu concluded by stressing that Governor Obaseki and himself are united in their determination to build a prosperous and inclusive society, likewise committed to the continued development of Edo State.

He called upon all well-meaning individuals to reject these divisive narratives and join in the quest to transform the state into a model of sustainable development and good governance, urging Edo state PDP politicians to embrace peace and seek unity to fight the common enemy.

Our investigation also reveals that the deputy governor did not refuse to join the governor in the selection of commissioners in Etsako LGCs, as alleged. According to our source, the Governor had sent his deputy, on that day, to proceed to Edo North to resolve some political crises. He was on his way when the Chief of Staff to the Governor called that the governor needed his attention in Benin.

The Deputy reportedly informed the CoS to inform the governor that he was already close to the Afuze axis to address the issue the governor directed him to do, which Governor Obaseki allegedly acknowledged.

Sources revealed that the Deputy has always appreciated his elder brother the governor wherever he gives him tasks. According to him, the appointment of political office holders is the prerogative of the governor, therefore, “if governor decides to allow his deputy to nominate candidates to fill any position is a privilege.”

The source said that political jobbers who also include hack writers have generated more lies from the pit of hell, saying that Comrade Philip Shaibu has perfected plans to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) next week. “There is no iota of truth in this,” he said.

“To further put a lie to this, the spin doctors claimed that the APC National Working Committee, NWC is set to receive him in Abuja. The question here for the discerning minds is that, is it the NWC of a party that receives a decampee into the party? Shaibu has never minced words, vowing to sink and swim with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki. This, he has said severally at public fora,” he added.

According to him, these evil men acting as agents of evil have come up with unbelievable accusations like coming late to State Executive meetings, attempting to slap the Secretary to the State Government, being the brain behind feuds between Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and governor, Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and Obaseki, Dan Orbih and Obaseki and many others.

“In view of this, I plead with these characters bent on driving a wedge between Comrade Philip Shaibu and his boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki to put the Edo project and the people far above their own selfish interest,” he added.

Recall that Governor Obaseki claimed on Friday that Shaibu, will explore every avenue to achieve his governorship ambition, including plotting a coup to oust him (the incumbent) from office.

The governor said this during a meeting with elders and leaders from Etsako West, East and Central Local Government Areas of the State, held in Jattu, Etsako West council as part of campaigns for the September 2, 2023, local council election.

He said, “My Deputy Governor has become so desperate to take over and is ready to do anything, including carrying out a coup d’etat to ensure he kicks me out and becomes the governor of Edo State.” (Saturday Tribune)

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