The widely publicized resolution of the prolonged conflict between the Governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki, and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, may, in fact, be deceptive. This is because actions by the Governor suggest that he has not truly forgiven his deputy, contrary to public assertions.
All Nigeria Latest News had reported that the two had been at a loggerhead over Shaibu’s ambition to run in next year’s governorship election.
When he noticed that Obaseki was not supportive of his ambitions and there was a potential threat of impeachment, Shaibu took action by approaching a Federal High Court in Abuja. Subsequently, he successfully acquired an injunction to legally prevent Obaseki and other relevant individuals from taking certain actions.
Following mediation by party leaders, religious leaders, and other stakeholders, Shaibu sincerely apologized to his superior, who publicly announced his forgiveness. However, despite this widely publicized act of forgiveness, the deputy governor has remained excluded from governmental activities and events.
For one, the deputy governor was conspicuously missing at the swearing-in ceremonies of Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants held at Edo north senatorial district.
Shaibu has also been sidelined in sporting events where he used to be prominent.
According to a reliable source who wish to be anonymous, Shaibu’s disengagement from activities of the State-owned Bendel Insurance FC has continued to affect the fortune of the club.
The most recent indignity suffered by Shaibu involves the transfer of the Toyota Landcruiser designated for his use to the State House of Assembly Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku.
According to the source, SUV was purchased approximately three months ago as a replacement for the one given to Shaibu as official vehicle seven years ago.
The source explained further that in their first tenure in office, only one vehicle, a Toyota Landcruiser was allocated to the office of the Deputy governor.
He added that all escort vehicles in the convoy of the deputy Governor were donated by his friends in order not to expose him to unnecessary dangers.
According to the source, “In the second tenure, the same vehicle allocated to the deputy governor about seven years ago is yet to be replaced.
“It was because of this that it became obvious when the Governor handed the Speaker a Toyota Landcruiser and a Toyota Hilux, instead of a Lexus sports utility vehicle that was approved for him.
“The Toyota Landcruiser was allegedly bought for the use of the deputy governor approximately three months ago as a replacement for the one given to him seven years ago,” the source explained.
The source described the incident as unfortunate, that the Governor would deliberately deny his deputy of the vehicle which was budgeted and bought in his name for a second tenure.
Obaseki is a very vindictive man, he has forgoten that if not for Shaibu, he could not have even son his re-election.
But Shaibu is also reaping from what he sowed, vis-a-vis how he supported Obaseki, to humiliate Oshiomole. I wizh Zhuabu will be ekected, and wish he would cut Obaseki too, down to size.
So far, Obaseki is the worst Governor in Edo State.