Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo State, has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of “intimidation” and “harassment,” and he has stated that Obaseki should have discussed his choice of a successor with him.
Shaibu made this statement on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday.
On Monday, the 53-year-old politician formally declared his intention to compete for the state’s governorship on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket on September 21, 2024.
Read Also: Obaseki’s decision on his successor should have been discussed with me instead of intimidating me — Shaibu
Shaibu asserted that he has a constitutional right to seek for the state’s top position, notwithstanding his tense relationship with his principal.
“He (Obaseki) said I am the type of deputy governor any governor will wish to have,” the deputy governor remarked. What has altered, then? The only thing that has changed is my desire to lead Edo State as governor.
It’s possible that Obasaki wants someone else. What you do in such a scenario is not harassment or intimidation; rather, you call all of us aspirants a family and provide justifications for your opinions on how things ought to be. Let us know what you require. You don’t bully or intimidate others.
In the event that my deputy wishes to run for governor tomorrow, he is free to do so. It is not intimidation that gives me the right to support someone else if that is what I choose to do.
“Harrassment and intimidation follow silence, not directed at someone who has made a sacrifice for the government.”
The PDP candidate for governor claimed that he can be persuaded through interactions and dialogues but that he will not yield to threats or coercion.
“After an engagement, I am someone who gives in easily, but I cannot give in to intimidation.” We won’t have democracy today if I succumb in to intimidation, Shaibu declared.
He bemoaned the fact that some governors’ supporters could not distinguish between loyalty and constitutional rights.
“I have rejected because it is my cross that I am bearing. I have no need to battle. It is undeniable that I support the governor, but I also have the right to run for office. He stated, “Loyalty is given, and it is totally given. Despite the humiliations and everything, I remain faithful, but I have the constitutional right to contest.
Although he and his principal do not get along, Shaibu, Obaseki’s deputy since 2016, stated he still has faith in the governor.
“I have no issues, but I want the governor to understand that he is our leader, that he needs to be able to coordinate us all, and that he shouldn’t favour any one of us above the others. Shaibu stated, “If he has to do this, he has to humiliate one,” and he has been “praying that this whole relationship thing comes to normal.”
