Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has reacted to a ‘shocking’ statement by the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, where he alleged desperation and a coup to oust him.
Governor Godwin Obaseki at a meeting with elders and leaders from Etsako West, East, and Central Local Government Areas of the State, on Friday, had accused his deputy of being capable of exploring every avenue to achieve his governorship ambition, including plotting a coup.
The Governor said: “My Deputy Governor has become so desperate to take over and is ready to do anything including carrying out a coup d’etat to ensure he kicks me out and becomes the governor of Edo State.”
However, Shuaibu said political jobbers sold the coup dummy to the Governor whom he referred to as ‘elder brother’ with a view to provoking more crises so they can benefit from it.
While speaking to his aides on Saturday in Benin City, he said it is preposterous to contemplate a coup against a man who has given him so much latitude.
According to him, the claims were not only baseless but also malicious attempts by political jobbers hell-bent on misleading the governor with the singular aim of damaging his reputation and sowing seeds of discord between the both of them.
He stated that it is a privilege to serve as Governor Obaseki’s Deputy, pledging his unwavering loyalty to Governor Obaseki and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He maintained that he believes in the power of teamwork and collaboration, adding that his role is to support and complement the Governor’s agenda, not to undermine it. Hence, he has continued to work tirelessly with Governor Obaseki to deliver on the promises they made to the good people of Edo State.
“I have consistently advocated for policies and initiatives that align with this administration’s goals and aspirations. It is disheartening to see such baseless allegations being propagated, as they only serve to distract the administration from its primary objective of serving the people of Edo State,” he intoned.
He encouraged well-meaning individuals to focus on the issues that truly matter to the people of Edo State, which is to improve their lives, provide quality education, ensure accessible healthcare, and create employment opportunities.
He reiterated that the Governor and himself are united in their determination to build a prosperous and inclusive society, likewise committed to the continued development of the State.
The Deputy Governor also urged the media and the public to approach these allegations with the skepticism they deserve.
READ OTHER STORIES:
OBIdients Mount Billboard Ahead of Tribunal Verdict
Man Allegedly Sells One-day-old Grandchild for N700,000
Nigerian Embassy In Niger Not Burnt Down- Envoy
Police Academy Passes Out 169 Cadet Officers
ECOWAS VERSUS NIGER: WHO IS FOOLING WHO? By Femi Fani-Kayode