Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state has further shed light on the crisis of confidence between him and Phillip Shuaibu, his deputy saying the latter is on his way to join the All Progressives Congress, APC.
They are both members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the ruling party in the state.
Lately, the two former political allies have been at dagger-drawn over Shuaibu’s plan to succeed his boss next year, as Governor Obaseki is expected to wind down his eight-year administration.
The crisis worsened recently after Shuaibu got a restraining order at a federal high court in Abuja stopping an alleged plot to impeach him by the state house of Assembly, fingering the governor as the arrowhead.
Shuaibu has also accused the governor of blocking him from attending important state functions, saying his problem with his boss started after he informed him that he wanted to succeed him.
But in what could be described as his first direct response to his deputy’s allegations, Governor Obaseki said Shuaibu has never informed him of his ambition to take over from him.
Briefing journalists in Benin City, the state’s capital during a visit by PDP leaders in Edo North, the governor accused his deputy of hobnobbing with the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC ahead of his defection to the ruling party.
Denying the knowledge of his deputy governorship ambition, Governor Obaseki noted that “Philip Shaibu has never had the courtesy to discuss his ambition with me,” adding that he’s aware of the former’s plan to defect to the APC to achieve his ambition of succeeding him next year.
The governor said, “Let me put it on record that I am not aware of any plot or any scheme to impeach the Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu. I have also checked and there was no such plan.
“So, the Court action taken, for me, is a thing of shock and disappointment. I am trying to reflect on the move made by somebody that I have given a broad latitude to do his work as deputy governor. So, for him to take this kind of action is shocking.”
“It’s clear what has happened in the last few weeks. It is a preemptive move for him to conclude what he has started. Those of you from Akoko-Edo can recall that when we were discussing the issue of your local government chairman and that of Owan, there was a lot of resistance from you on the candidates he wanted to impose on you. I listened to your entreaties and thought that what you were recommending was fair. How can he be recommending the son of an APC leader in that local government? You resisted and I saw reason and acceded to your request.
“The next day, I saw on social media that he was in Abuja robbing minds with the opposition party. I have heard for months now that he has been in closed consultation with friends from another party because he was not sure that you, the leaders of PDP, will give him the ticket as governor in 2024.
“I must State here that Philip Shaibu has never had the courtesy to discuss his ambition with me. The last time we spoke of my successor after the House of Assembly election, I did say that we should be patient and that our task is to try and finish well and conclude all our projects we started. It’s only when we do this right that we will have the support of the people for my successor.’
Obaseki stated further, “I believe that this action by him is a preemptive move to get a court order, keep his ticket and move to another party. I think it’s unfair for our party. We don’t need this sort of crisis. I have been getting calls all over the world and it’s rather sad that somebody who is part of an administration will do this to the administration because of his personal ambition.
“I am not angry but naturally I should be disappointed. I understand what is going on. I thank you for your solidarity. We should not be distracted but consolidate and unite our party and bring all on board.
“As we start our local government campaigns tomorrow, I urge you to join me so that we can build a PDP that will continue to dominate the politics of Edo State as we must finish well so our people will continue to give us the mandate.
“Edo will continue to be great as our collective efforts will drive our future as no one man can be bigger than all of us.”
