In a resolute display of his commitment to the leadership of Edo State, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to Governor Godwin Obaseki despite recent disagreements between the two.
Shaibu’s declaration came during his address at the commemoration of Edo State’s 32nd anniversary, held within the grandeur of the government house in Benin City on Sunday.
The deputy governor, standing before a gathering of dignitaries and well-wishers, emphasized that his allegiance to Governor Obaseki remained steadfast and unshaken, and he acknowledged Governor Obaseki as an “elder brother” whose leadership he respects.
Addressing the recent spate of differences between them, Shaibu stated firmly that he preferred to address these matters privately, emphasizing his commitment to diplomacy and conflict resolution within the government.
He said, “My loyalty to the governor remains absolute. I see that everybody is in solidarity. I am also in solidarity with the governor. I am also declaring my unalloyed loyalty to the governor and nothing more.”
“As for the issues around town when I was away, I really would not want to talk about them, especially about the governor. He is my elder brother and boss and I don’t think I should talk about anything. And if I have issues with him, I think it is better settled at home and not in the media. I am well brought up.
“I can tell you that from my Christian background, if you make a vow with God that you want to do something, you must fulfill it. And the vow I have taken with God is that I will continue to support Godwin Obaseki as the governor of Edo State from the beginning to the end.
“But that does not stop anything that has to do with ambition. Ambition is personal and it does not affect loyalty. My loyalty to the governor remains absolute. I see that everybody is in solidarity. I am also in solidarity with the governor. I am also declaring my unalloyed solidarity and loyalty to the governor and nothing more.”
Recent weeks have seen the two prominent figures of the state embroiled in disagreements surrounding alleged plots to impeach the deputy governor. In response to these claims, Deputy Governor Shaibu took legal action, approaching a federal high court in Abuja seeking to halt the alleged impeachment plot.
However, Governor Obaseki and Blessing Agbebaku, Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, refuted the allegations of an impeachment plot.
Yet, the tensions escalated further when Governor Obaseki accused Deputy Governor Shaibu of a purported attempt to undermine his authority in early August. Amidst these public exchanges, the deputy governor has remained steadfast in his support for the governor, underscoring his commitment through his Christian beliefs.
Comments are closed.