By Ayodele Oni
In a surprise move and/or political masterstroke, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has acknowledged the support of his Deputy, Philip Shaibu to the administration.
Both men have had less than a cordial relationship, even some embarrassing moments, over Deputy Governor Shaibu’s ambition to contest the Governorship Election and succeed Obaseki as the Governor after the Governor’s eight-year tenure.
But as Shaibu turned 54 years, Obaseki surprised him with a congratulatory letter where he acknowledged his Deputy’s contribution to the success of his Government. He also addressed Shaibu as “my brother”. He also acknowledged him as an exemplary husband, father and great family man.
Governor Obaseki stated:
“I congratulate my brother, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, on his 54th birthday.
“I thank him immensely for his support in the course of our drive for the development of our State in the last seven years.
“I also acknowledge the energy and vigour he has brought to bear as this administration embarked on the onerous task of bringing transformational change and development to Edo State.
“Alongside making these contributions to this administration, he has remained an exemplary husband, father and a great family man.
“I celebrate him today and wish him many more years in good health and sound mind.”
Also, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, congratulated the Deputy Governor, on his 54th Birthday describing him as a man of great intellectual capacity.
In a special message to the Deputy Governor, the Speaker thanked God for his blessings upon him as he celebrates another year of great hope, joy and happiness .
“Mr Speaker eulogized the celebrant as one who has contributed immensely to the development of the state from his days as a student Unionist, to the days as a State and Federal Legislator before becoming the Deputy Governor of Edo state.”
He prayed for his continued good health, happiness and prosperity as he Celebrates.
Agbebaku added that Shaibu is a great asset to the state, a loving husband, father and friend.
