Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has said making his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, visible is not a crime.

Obaseki, yesterday, while receiving leaders of his Edo South Senatorial District at the Government House, Benin, declared that the ‘Emilokan’ (it is my turn) syndrome or spirit was not a strategy for winning elections and governing the state.

Edo Deputy Governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Ebomhiana Musa, who also hails from Edo North Senatorial District as his boss, said yesterday evening: “Comrade Shaibu actually came to Nigeria, but briefly, and went back again (to the United States of America). He is still on leave.

“We will not take issues with Governor Obaseki. The office of Edo State Governor and the person of Governor Obaseki must be respected at all times.”

Obaseki said what was happening between him and Shaibu was really unfortunate, sad and avoidable, stressing that the people knew where they were coming from and what they had gone through together.

Edo governor noted that people of the state were not known for ‘Emilokan’, insisting that Edo residents would decide his successor in September 2024, since his second term would expire on November 12 next year.

He said: “What has happened in the last few months is strange, and even if you have an ambition, this is not the time to express it. The timetable for the election (Edo governorship) is not out. You cannot be part of a government, and be the one to destabilise the same government.

“I thought we came together and would leave together, and let the people say you have done a great job, and they will now make the decision themselves. They (Edo residents) are the ones to say that come rain or sunshine, we must continue.

“You are telling the world one thing, and yet doing another. You are loyal to your principal, and yet you are in court (Federal High Court, Abuja, where Shaibu obtained restraining order against removal/impeachment by the 24 members of Edo House of Assembly) with your principal. Everybody has the right to be ambitious, but do it the right way.

“When we came in, I said let’s build institutions, not individuals. The Constitution (1999, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended), provides for a deputy governor. What I could not do, I would call on my deputy to do it for me. That was not a crime. The Constitution does not provide for co-governor, but deputy governor.

“Elevating a deputy governor, and making him visible is not a crime. But this I did, because I want to build institutions, rather than individuals or persons. To mistake that, and misuse it, is really unfortunate, as you have created the impression that the deputy governor should not be given responsibilities.”

Obaseki also spoke about the claim that he gave his deputy too many responsibilities.

He said: “People are already blaming me now for giving him (Shaibu) responsibilities and visibility, and it is not my fault. How can it be my fault, when you want to groom young people? I believe when young people work with you, give them opportunities, and expose them, preparing them for leadership positions in life, praying they do not abuse the privilege.

“I have no regrets for exposing my deputy to power and leadership position. I have not made any mistake, but he is the one that made the mistake. I hope he retraces his steps. He is the one that took me to court. He should be the one to talk to, not me. We are determined and focused to finish well and with your support, we are sure to finish well.

“We are not starting any new project, but finishing the ones already started, and making sure that all we started, we finish and design a plan for those coming in, as no government can finish the work.”

Edo governor also said Edo residents could not afford to make mistakes.

He said: “We cannot make any mistake again, as our people have suffered in the past. We will not allow them to suffer again. That is why we are doing our best in Edo State to change the narrative.”

It was gathered yesterday evening that Obaseki and his allies were not relenting in pushing through Shaibu’s removal, through Edo lawmakers, in order for the state’s governor to produce a successor from Edo Central Senatorial District/Esanland, with impeachable offences already compiled against Edo deputy governor. (The Nation)

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