Leaders of the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have scolded the deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, for approaching the court over allegations that Governor Godwin Obaseki is about to impeach him without exhausting the dispute resolution mechanisms of the party.
The leaders, who met yesterday in Igueben Local Government Area, were drawn from Edo Central Senatorial District. They include Chairman, Edo State PDP, Tony Aziegbemi; former Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees (BOT), Chief Tom Ikimi, former Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Sen. Clifford Odia; former House of Representatives member representing Esan South East/Esan North East Federal Constituency, Sergius Ogun and former House of Representatives member representing Esan Central, Esan West, and Igueben Federal Constituency, Joe Edionwele, among others.
A communiqué issued after the meeting said during the meeting, a vote of confidence in the Governor Godwin Obaseki.
"However, the deteriorating relationship between our Governor, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu, was noted with utmost dismay. It is the collective view of the entire leadership of PDP in Edo Central that the controversy was unnecessary and avoidable, considering that the central issue of contention has to do with the issue of Governorship succession at the end of the current tenure.
"The reason for this is our strong belief that the strongest consideration for making the choice is equity in addition to other factors related to competence and individual acceptability. From our interactions with our brothers from Edo South and Edo North, there is already a consensus that the next Governor will emanate from Edo Central Senatorial District principally because it is on record that Edo Central has not legally produced a Governor for our dear State since the inception of this democratic dispensation in 1999.
It is disheartening to witness the deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, resorting to legal action without exhausting the dispute resolution mechanisms within the party. The leaders of the Edo State PDP express their dismay and disappointment in this approach, as it undermines the internal processes and unity of the party.
The Edo Central Senatorial District leaders firmly believe that the ongoing controversy between Governor Godwin Obaseki and Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu is unnecessary and avoidable. The primary issue of contention pertains to the forthcoming governorship succession after the current tenure.
With regards to the selection of the next governor, the leaders argue that equity must be a significant consideration, alongside competence and individual acceptability. Following consultations with Edo South and Edo North, there is a consensus that the next governor should emerge from Edo Central Senatorial District.
Edo Central Senatorial District has not legally produced a governor for the state since the inception of Nigeria's democratic dispensation in 1999. This historical imbalance necessitates the need for Edo Central to have the opportunity to govern the state.
In light of these considerations, it is crucial to prioritize internal party mechanisms for dispute resolution. The PDP leaders emphasize the importance of dialogue and unity within the party to overcome the current tensions and move towards a harmonious future.
The Edo PDP leaders express their unwavering confidence in Governor Godwin Obaseki's leadership and continue to support him in advancing the interests and progress of Edo State. They call on Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu to reconsider his legal approach and engage in internal party processes to address any grievances.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Governor Godwin Obaseki and Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu's strained relationship has been met with disappointment by the leaders of Edo Central Senatorial District. The PDP leaders stress the need for equity in selecting the next governor, with Edo Central Senatorial District being the prime candidate based on historical imbalances. They urge Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu to seek resolution within the party rather than resorting to legal action.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-14 News
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