Philip Shaibu revealed that it took former governor Adams Oshiomhole three months to convince him and his supporters to back Obaseki’s gubernatorial bid.
Benin City, Nigeria – Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has asserted that he played a pivotal role in making Governor Godwin Obaseki who he is today.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today (yesterday), Shaibu claimed that it was he who helped propel Obaseki to the governorship, despite the latter’s lack of political experience and financial strength at the time.
Philip Shaibu revealed that it took former governor Adams Oshiomhole three months to convince him and his supporters to back Obaseki’s gubernatorial bid. “Obaseki was not a politician, even financially, Obaseki was not financially strong to even contest the election,” Shaibu stated.
He added, “Oshiomhole brought him, and when Oshiomhole brought him, some of us argued that it could not be him. It took Oshiomhole three months to convince me and some of our supporters to support Obaseki.”
The deputy governor further emphasized that he and his allies contributed their resources and political influence to make Obaseki governor, disputing any notion that Obaseki made him. “He did not bring money – we brought our resources and our friends to bring money and we brought our political capital to make him governor,” Shaibu said.
The rift between Shaibu and Obaseki has deepened in recent months, particularly concerning the upcoming 2024 governorship election. Shaibu accused Obaseki of attempting to thwart his political ambitions by cutting off his finances, stating that he has not received any government funds for the past year.
Following Shaibu’s reinstatement as deputy governor by a Federal High Court, the Edo State government released a statement accusing him of impersonating the deputy governor’s role. In response, Philip Shaibu labeled Obaseki as “lawless” for disregarding the court’s judgment. “The holder of the office of the governor in Edo State today is lawless. Godwin Obaseki is lawless,” Shaibu declared.
The court ruling on July 17, delivered by Justice Omotoso, declared Shaibu’s impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly as illegal and unconstitutional.
The court ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement and directed that his salaries and allowances be paid from April when he was impeached. The Edo State House of Assembly has appealed the judgment and subsequently filed a motion to suspend the execution of the judgment until the appeal is heard.
This latest development continues the ongoing political tension between Governor Obaseki and his deputy as the 2024 governorship election draws closer.
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