Philip Shaibu, recently reinstated as Edo’s deputy governor, inspects ongoing state projects, sparking fresh drama. Get the latest on this unfolding story.”
Returned Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu on Monday toured some ongoing development projects in the state, signalling his return to public life following a protracted dispute with Governor Godwin Obaseki.
During his tour, Shaibu inspected major projects including the multi-billion naira five-star Radisson Blu Hotel, the Museum of Art of West Africa (MOWAA), the reconstruction of Okada Avenue and parts of Central Road.
His tour highlighted his willingness to return to work despite tensions with the governor.
Shaibu confirmed to reporters that he had resumed duties and expressed his determination to work with Obaseki for the progress of the state.
He said: “We are here to stay, so we should not react to defectors issuing press releases.” Anyone who wants to issue press releases should come here instead of defecting and starting to issue press releases. We should ignore them.
“I have started again now, since the issue of reinstatement should be a thing of the past. I see no need to talk about it. The verdict is in.” We have to move forward. The question is, if I can work with Obaseki, can I work with him? I can work with him, but he cannot work with me.
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“The office of deputy governor is not an office under Obaseki, it is an office established by the constitution. Until we understand the difference between the office of governor and the office of deputy governor, the constitutionality. I am the deputy governor and my role is clearly defined.
“We will be going around Edo South, Central and North over the next two weeks to see what has been achieved so far. There is a new sheriff in town and we need to hand the job over to him. That is our position. I am doing my job as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.
“My duty as Deputy Governor is to discharge my responsibilities as Deputy Governor. I came here to inspect what is going on here at the museum. We have looked around, visited other projects. There are some issues that need to be resolved administratively.
“Radisson Blu has management issues that need to be addressed. It’s a lot of work. Over the next six weeks, we need to put things into perspective so the next sheriff in town knows where we stand. I’m doing my job as lieutenant governor. I’m on the ground, but I’m not a defector.” Special Adviser to the Media Project, Crusoe Osagie, said in a statement on Monday:
“We, however, warn both Philip Shaibu and the security agencies should they engage in any conduct that violates the law and the Constitution.
“Shaibu should be patient and wait for his case to be heard at the Court of Appeal. He must learn to submit to the authority of the law.
“The government has called on the good people of Edo State to go about their lawful business. The government will always ensure the protection of lives and property in accordance with the applicable laws of the state.”
