The much publicized end of the protracted face off between the Edo state Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu might be a ruse after all. This is because actions of the Governor have continued to indicate that he has not forgiven his deputy, contrary to claims in the public domain.
Recall that the two had been at a loggerhead over Shaibu’s ambition to run in next year’s governorship election.
When he realized that Obaseki was not disposed to his ambition and a likelihood of being impeached, Shaibu approached a Federal High Court in Abuja and obtained an injunction to restrain Obaseki and others.
But, following mediation by party leaders, religious leaders and others, Shaibu tendered unreserved apology to his boss, who told the world that he has forgiven his deputy.
Weeks after the much publicized forgiveness, the embattled deputy governor has continued to be sidelined in government’s activities and functions.
For one, Shaibu was conspicuously missing at the swearing-in ceremonies of Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants held at Edo north senatorial district.
The deputy governor has also been sidelined in sporting events where he used to be prominent.
A source who did not wish to be named, told PM News that Shaibu’s disengagement from activities of the State-owned Bendel Insurance FC has continued to affect the fortune of the club.
The latest humiliation meted on Shaibu is the handing over of the Toyota Landcruiser bought for his use to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku.
A reliable source in government circle who asked not to be named, informed PM News that the SUV was purchased approximately three months ago as a replacement for the one given to Shaibu as official vehicle seven years ago.
The source explained further that in their first tenure in office, only one vehicle, a Toyota Landcruiser was allocated to the office of the Deputy governor.
He added that all escort vehicles in the convoy of the deputy Governor were donated by his friends in order not to expose him to unnecessary dangers.
According to the source, “In the second tenure, the same vehicle allocated to the deputy governor about seven years ago is yet to be replaced.
“It was because of this that it became obvious when the Governor handed the Speaker a Toyota Landcruiser and a Toyota Hilux, instead of a Lexus sports utility vehicle that was approved for him.
“The Toyota Landcruiser was allegedly bought for the use of the deputy governor approximately three months ago as a replacement for the one given to him seven years ago,” the source explained.
The source described the incident as unfortunate, that the Governor would deliberately deny his deputy of the vehicle which was budgeted and bought in his name for a second tenure.
credit: PM News
