Strained Relationship Between Obaseki And Shaibu Harming Governance In Edo....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

I have consistently asserted that I remain a loyal servant, and my commitment to this remains unwavering. I took an oath to support my governor, and I genuinely miss my governor. I have prayed that God would touch the hearts of my governor, all of us, and even those attempting to meddle in our relationship, so they may understand my genuine intentions.

“If I have made any mistakes as a human being, they were mere human errors, not acts of wickedness because I have a pure heart…”

These were the sentiments expressed by Philip Shuaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, during his address to a select group of journalists at an event in the state. These words were intended to soothe the strained relationship between him and Governor Godwin Obaseki.

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It is worth recalling that Shaibu had recently drawn attention when he was locked out of his office, which was seen as another low point in their ongoing feud. Many had hoped that his decision to withdraw the lawsuit he had filed in the Federal High Court to halt Governor Obaseki’s alleged plans to remove him from office would mend the rift in the Edo Government House. However, the situation has not improved as expected.

The embattled deputy governor explained that he withdrew the lawsuit following a series of meetings involving himself, Obaseki, and well-meaning citizens of Edo and Nigerians, including party leaders, traditional rulers, and the Archbishop of the Benin Archdiocese of the Catholic Church.

Shuaibu’s troubles began when he took legal action against his boss over alleged impeachment plans and other issues, which were linked to his gubernatorial ambitions in 2024. Without mincing words, Shuaibu embarked on a fruitless endeavor and has now backtracked in an attempt to restore peace amidst the conflict.

The discord between these two prominent figures in Edo has continued to jeopardize peace in the state, particularly among their loyalists and supporters.

Notable personalities and leaders of the ruling PDP swiftly intervened to persuade Governor Obaseki to embrace peace and give his deputy an opportunity to make amends. This eventually led to the withdrawal of the lawsuit.

Prior to this, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, had assured that the rift between the Governor and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, would be resolved promptly. The state PDP chapter engaged stakeholders to find a way forward amid the discord between Obaseki and his deputy.

In an interview with The Guardian, Aziegbemi stated that disagreements can occur between two individuals, even identical twins have conflicts. While the rift has escalated, causing concern among stakeholders, Obaseki denied any knowledge of plans to impeach his deputy, suggesting that Shaibu’s move to obtain a court order preempted his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Obaseki expressed his disappointment with his deputy’s ambition, stating that he had supported Shaibu in various ways but was troubled by reports that Shaibu was engaging with the opposition party in Abuja, possibly to secure a ticket for the 2024 governorship race. Obaseki emphasized the need to focus on completing ongoing projects and gaining the people’s support for his successor.

Matthew Adjoto, a former speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, expressed surprise and embarrassment over Shaibu’s actions, describing them as unprecedented and baseless.

Jimoh Ijegbai, a former deputy chief of staff to Obaseki who served in Shaibu’s office, emphasized that the people of Owan support Shaibu and do not want to see him impeached.

Osaro Culture Iyamu, an activist and President of Edo National Voice (ENV), deemed the rift between Obaseki and Shaibu unfortunate but not surprising. He suggested that their past actions and betrayals of Edo people laid the foundation for their ongoing conflict.

Eboigbe, a Chieftain of the APC, believed that both the governor and his deputy were reaping what they sowed and that the discord would not be easily resolved without a genuine apology from Shaibu.

Nosa Adams, a staunch PDP leader in Edo, traced the crisis in the state’s PDP back to the crossover of Obaseki and his deputy from the APC to the PDP in 2020. He noted that Obaseki’s confrontational approach had strained relationships with various parties and hindered governance in Edo state.

Adams expressed concern that the ongoing tension was leading to a deterioration of governance in the state and that it was unfortunate that such a situation had arisen.