Shaibu claims his gubernatorial ambition would have ceased if Obaseki had shown reasonableness. Discover the details of his assertion.
Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo expressed that if his superior Godwin Obaseki had communicated with him in a rational and respectful manner, he would have abandoned his aspirations for governorship. This decision would have been made to maintain their rapport and allow the governor unhindered authority.
Shaibu, who labeled Obaseki as a dictator, stated that he became even more determined to pursue his gubernatorial aspirations when Obaseki issued a warning that he would ruin him if Shaibu did not relent.
According to him, he emerged victorious in the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship primary with 381 delegates. He claimed that these individuals would have cast their votes for him if they had not been barred from entering the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin on February 22 where the event was held.
On Wednesday, Shaibu paid a courtesy visit to the APC National Working Committee in Abuja as he officially joined and spoke up for the All Progressives Congress after leaving PDP.
Despite all his sacrifices and loyalty to Obaseki, he stated that he felt betrayed by him.
“The truth is,” he said, “the issues were purely political. It all began when I announced my intention to run for the governorship of Edo State.”
The deputy governor, appearing thoughtful, informed journalists that despite his best efforts to appease his superior, he was ultimately unsuccessful.
“He (Obaseki) informed me that I cannot enter the contest because he had his own plans and threatened to ruin my chances if I persisted. However, no human can thwart God’s plan for me. As a staunch activist, this incident propelled my desire to run more vehemently. During our discussion, although still consulting with others at the time, through astute political maneuvering and strategy on my part; having garnered support from 400 out of 572 delegates – unlike these other contenders who were mere opportunists riding on our coat-tails- I emerged victorious in the race.”
One week before the primary election, I incurred a loss and was left with only 381 delegates. Consequently, I presented these individuals on the day of voting but they were denied accreditation by my opponents who instead assigned their own supporters to attend an event called Aso Ebi reception at the stadium where primaries took place. Afterward, it emerged that according to court verdicts, my delegates had been deemed legitimate while those brought in by others were fraudulent. Although this presents an opportunity for me to act legally against them ,I am hesitant as it could paint them into a legal corner from which there is no easy escape .
During our court proceedings, I was blessed to receive two favorable judgments. However, my utmost goal is to uphold the principles of internal democracy and ensure its implementation. Persuasion rather than force should be utilized in rallying support for one’s cause. If only the governor had displayed leadership qualities, perhaps there would have been no need for me to contest as it goes without saying that eagerness does not define who I am nor what motivates me – fixing this state takes priority over any personal ambition on my part. I remain open-minded towards seeking a collective solution with someone else devotedly invested in achieving positive outcomes within their role; however, due processes must always take precedence above political agendas masquerading under false pretenses of dictatorship advocacy. I reject such behavior because from childhood youth-wing activities up until now captaining various democratic causes – fighting tenaciously persistently throughout has earned recognition among top allies championing similar values — so anyone plotting subversion tactics best beware: Nurturing Nigeria’s Democracy demands skillful navigation along alluded elements or create anarchy risking unconstitutional regimes!”
He rejected the assertion that he departed with 22 official vehicles following his impeachment, deeming it to be untrue.
The politician-turned-accountant reported that during their administration spanning seven and a half years, the governor procured just one official vehicle for his entourage.
Shaibu explained that disagreements often arise over money. He admitted to not applying for most of his official entitlements, including those requiring him to meet with the governor personally. Instead, he stuck to his official salary and refrained from taking advantage of additional benefits. Recently, Shaibu was asked in an advertisement to return 22 vehicles purchased by the governor during their seven-and-a-half-year term together. Surprisingly, only one vehicle belonged exclusively to him – all others were part of a convoy used collectively among officials within government circles. This included high-end vehicles such as Landcruisers bearing coat-of-arms flags as symbols of authority; these same cars had been utilized both when he served previously as Majority Leader at Edo State House Assembly and later on backup duty while serving alongside the Governorship himself.
During the third year of his initial term, the governor procured a Landcruiser jeep which encountered an accident en route. We had to replace its wheels and spent two weeks repairing it. Despite this setback, I didn’t give it much attention as any potential problem was easy for me to manage. It brings me great joy that I exerted myself entirely without any shortcomings or allegations of corruption or larceny leading to my impeachment due incompetency in office.
Today, the court clarified that what they previously identified as gross misconduct was not actually a wrongdoing. Specifically, they accused me of leaking government secrets. However, I have worked conscientiously alongside this individual and was asked to step in as acting governor whereupon I effectively managed the security system. Consequently, there is no basis for my impeachment given that I have committed no offensive acts deserving such action.
Shaibu was hesitant before nodding in response when he was asked if he could forgive Obaseki for treating him as an outcast.
He stated that perfection exists only in the Almighty God and none of His creations, including us, are flawless. Amongst all commandments worldwide, “Love your neighbor as yourself” is one of the greatest. If everyone followed it, peace would prevail globally. Nevertheless, he recently realized that his relationship with the governor could not be considered perfect due to their recent disagreement.
“I gave it my all, from personal sacrifice to offering my official earnings for his success. The welfare of the state is paramount in everything I do. To prevent any disagreements or conflicts, I willingly relinquished many of my lawful rights and benefits.”
