Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, clarified on Monday that there is no intention to impeach his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu. However, he pointed out that Shaibu’s recent move to seek a court order to stop his purported impeachment is a preemptive measure in light of his plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During a briefing with journalists in Benin City, the governor revealed that the leaders of Edo North Senatorial District, the district of the Deputy Governor, have distanced themselves from his governorship ambition. They cautioned him against exacerbating the crisis in the state.
Governor Obaseki explained that Philip Shaibu has been actively engaging with senior members of the APC, both at the national and state levels, in negotiations to join their party. It appears that Shaibu is close to finalizing his moves to defect to the APC.
The Governor expressed his disappointment with Shaibu’s court action and stated that he had given the Deputy Governor considerable autonomy in his role. Obaseki noted that he was taken aback by Shaibu’s actions, especially given that they had not discussed his gubernatorial ambition, and he had hoped they would focus on completing their ongoing projects before considering the issue of succession.
According to Obaseki, there had been indications that Shaibu had been consulting with members of another party due to uncertainties about securing the PDP’s ticket for the 2024 governorship election. The Governor emphasized the need for unity within the PDP and the party’s continued dominance in Edo State politics.
Addressing the gathering of leaders from Edo North Senatorial District, Governor Obaseki appreciated their solidarity and urged them to join him in strengthening the PDP as they commence local government campaigns. He emphasized the importance of consolidating the party’s efforts and working together as no individual should be above the collective interests of the party and the state.
Alhaji Kabiru Ajoto, the leader of the group and former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, echoed their support for Governor Obaseki and expressed disappointment over the ongoing crisis. He revealed that they had attempted to mediate between Obaseki and Shaibu but were met with refusal from the Deputy Governor. Ajoto emphasized that the court action taken by Shaibu was unfortunate and urged for a resolution to the matter.
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