In a bid to mend fences and restore harmony, the embattled Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has tendered an apology to Governor Godwin Obaseki. The two political figures have been embroiled in a face-off recently after Mr. Shaibu took legal action to prevent an alleged plot by the governor to remove him from office.
During a press conference held in Benin City on Thursday, Mr. Shaibu expressed his remorse and appealed to Governor Obaseki for forgiveness. According to a report by Channels TV, he said, "I use this medium to appeal to Mr. Governor, if there is anything that I don't know that I have done, please forgive me so that we can develop our state together."
Emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation, the deputy governor stressed the importance of working together to complete their remaining year in office. He stated, "We have just one year to go. We have been the envy of the entire country. So, Mr. Governor, if there is anything you feel that I have done, please I am sorry. I need us to work together to finish well and strong."
When asked about his resumption at the new office, Mr. Shaibu confirmed that the transition had taken place but acknowledged that there was still much work to be done. He reassured the public of his loyalty and unwavering commitment to serving Governor Obaseki, saying, "Like I have always tried to prove, I am a loyal servant and nothing has changed. I took a personal vow to support my governor...and I wish that the relationship that we had will come back in the next few days and weeks."
Mr. Shaibu also revealed his longing for reconciliation, expressing his hope that God would "touch the governor's heart" and grant forgiveness. He asserted his good intentions, stating, "I mean well. If there is any mistake I have made as a human, it is not out of wickedness because I know I'm not wicked. I have a very clean heart."
The disagreement between Governor Obaseki and Deputy Governor Shaibu originated from the latter's legal intervention to halt the alleged plot to oust him from office. While Mr. Obaseki denied the accusation, he accused Mr. Shaibu of interfering in the youth council election in Edo State due to his ambition to contest for the 2024 governorship election.
The strained relationship between these once strong political allies reached its peak in August when the governor terminated Mr. Shaibu's aides following a walk-out staged by the deputy governor during a colloquium organized by the state government. This incident occurred after Mr. Shaibu's media aides and security details were denied entry to the event.
It is noteworthy that Governor Obaseki and Deputy Governor Shaibu had stood together during their affiliation with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and weathered intense political battles. However, their association took a different turn when Mr. Obaseki moved to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after being denied the APC's governorship ticket for re-election. Subsequently, Mr. Shaibu faithfully followed suit, and both emerged victorious in the election.
As the duo seeks reconciliation, their actions in the coming days and weeks will reveal if they can restore their alliance and work harmoniously for the betterment of Edo State.
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