THE reinstated deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, accused his principal, Godwin Obaseki, of preventing him from entering the state today.
Shaibu and Obaseki have been in conflict in recent months over issues related to the gubernatorial election in the state.
Shaibu made this statement just two days after the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered his reinstatement as deputy governor.
“Yesterday, I received information indicating that the governor has instructed his aides not to allow me into town. As a legitimate member of Edo State, no one can block my entry,” he asserted.
“The constitution does not permit anyone to prevent my entry into Edo State, not even as deputy governor. Even as an ordinary citizen, I should have that right and freedom.”
Shaibu recalled when he declared his intention to seek the governorship ticket under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in November 2023, claiming that Governor Obaseki threatened to destroy him.
Describing himself as a devoted Catholic, he stated that only God has the power to destroy a person.
He pledged to continue his fight through till the election period leading up to the gubernatorial election in September 21.
The deputy governor accused Obaseki of orchestrating an attack in Benin City yesterday, suggesting that the governor was following through on his earlier threats to harm him.
“I was unaware he would arm them (gunmen) so heavily. I remember the governor saying that when I announced my intention to run for governor, if I pursued it, he would destroy me,” he said.
“What transpired yesterday clearly indicated that it was a calculated effort to fulfill that threat.”
He also expressed condolences for the police inspector killed by suspected gunmen in Benin City during the attack on his convoy and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo.
Yesterday, while returning to Benin City, both Obaseki and Okpebholo narrowly escaped death during the gunfire from the attack.
Unfortunately, Okon, who was assigned to Okpebholo, lost his life during the gunbattle.
During the interview, Shaibu vowed to protect the integrity of the deputy governor’s office.
He accused Obaseki of undermining his position, alleging that he has not been paid for the past year.
“One of my primary objectives is to strengthen institutions. I observe that the institution of the deputy governor’s office is being undermined by the governor for personal gain,” he stated.
“That’s why I’m fighting to restore the integrity of the deputy governor’s office—not for myself. The governor hasn’t paid me for the past year, and I anticipate he will not compensate me for the remaining four months.”
