Edo State Governor Denies Plan to Impeach Deputy - Alleges Impending Defection

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, stated that there is no plan to impeach his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu.

The governor, however, noted that the move by Shaibu seeking a court order to stop his purport­ed impeachment is preemptive ahead of his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is as leaders of Edo North Senatorial District, the senatorial zone of the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shai­bu, distanced themselves from his governorship ambition, warning the deputy governor against fueling the crisis in the State.

The governor, while briefing journalists in Benin City during a visit by the Edo North leaders, said the deputy gover­nor has been actively engaging with senior actors both at the national and state level of the APC, negotiating his way into their party, adding that he is at the verge of finalising moves to defect to the APC.

He 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."

He noted, "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."

The unfolding political drama in Edo State continues to captivate the attention of Nigerians as Governor Godwin Obaseki vehemently denies any plan to impeach his deputy, Philip Shaibu. Governor Obaseki, while speaking to journalists in Benin City, expressed shock and disappointment regarding Shaibu's court action to halt his alleged impeachment.

Notably, Governor Obaseki accuses Shaibu of engaging with senior actors within the All Progressives Congress (APC) at both the national and state levels, negotiating his defection to the opposing party. According to Obaseki, Shaibu's court action is merely a preemptive move to solidify his plans before officially defecting to the APC.

Adding to the unfolding drama, leaders from Edo North Senatorial District, which encompasses Shaibu's jurisdiction, have issued a warning against his governorship ambition. These leaders have urged the deputy governor to refrain from exacerbating the already fragile political climate in the state.

Recalling past conflicts, Governor Obaseki highlights an instance where Shaibu met resistance from leaders in Akoko-Edo concerning the appointment of local government chairmen. Despite the objections, Obaseki claims to have acceded to the leaders' requests, but shortly thereafter learned of Shaibu's interactions with the opposition party and rumors of his ongoing consultations.

The governor's statements underscore the tension within Edo State's political landscape and the uncertainty surrounding Philip Shaibu's future political path. With the alleged defection to APC looming, the governor must navigate the dynamics within his own party while countering efforts to undermine his deputy.

As Edo State continues to grapple with internal power struggles, the fate of Philip Shaibu and his political aspirations remain uncertain. Only time will reveal the true intentions and alliances formed amidst this state of political flux.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-08 News

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