Edo gov, deputy face-off not over yet despite public apologies

Edo gov, deputy face-off not over yet despite public apologies

The rift between Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy Phillip Shaibu may be far from being resolved.
Observers of major events at the state Government House said the actions of the governor had continued to indicate that he had not forgiven his deputy, contrary to claims in the public domain, according to a new PM News report.
Newstrends recalls that the two leaders have been at a loggerhead over Shaibu’s ambition to run for next year’s governorship election.
But Obaseki is angry about Shaibu’s governorship ambition.
An impeachment plot against the deputy was said to have been hatched against Shaibu by lawmakers loyal to the governor in the state House of Assembly.
Shaibu approached a Federal High Court in Abuja and obtained an injunction to restrain Obaseki and others.
But after 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, however, the embattled deputy governor has continued to be sidelined in government functions and party activities.
Shaibu was 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 said Shaibu’s disengagement from activities of the state-owned Bendel Insurance FC had continued to affect the fortune of the club.
The latest humiliation of Shaibu is the alleged handing over of the Toyota Landcruiser bought for his use to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku.

A source in government circle informed that the SUV was purchased about three months ago as a replacement for the one given to the deputy governor as official vehicle seven years ago.

“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.