Despite the rift with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, deputy governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu, has declared his loyalty to the governor, saying he remains his elder brother and boss.
Shaibu ate the humble pie after weeks of wrangling between the deputy and the governor.
The deputy governor had approached a Federal High in Abuja and obtained an injunction to stop the governor and the state House of Assembly impeaching him.
Obaseki, on his part, had expressed shock at his deputy’s action, accusing him of plotting a coup against him.
Shaibu stated this in an interview he granted during an interdenominational thanksgiving service to mark the Midwest Referendum and 32nd anniversary of Edo State at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
He said, “My loyalty to the governor remains absolute. I see that everybody is doing solidarity. I am also in solidarity with the governor. I am also declaring my unalloyed solidarity and loyalty to the governor and nothing more.
“As for the issues that are around town when I was away, I really would not want to talk. Issues that concern my governor are not things I like to speak about on camera. No, no, no! He is my elder brother and boss, and I don’t think I should talk about anything.
“And if I have issues with him, I think it is better settled at home and not in the media. I am well brought up.
“I can tell you that from my Christian background, if you make a vow with God that you want to do something, you must fulfill it. And the vow I have taken with God is that I will continue to support Godwin Obaseki as the governor of Edo State from the beginning to the end.
“But that does not stop anything that has to do with ambition. Ambition is personal and it does not affect loyalty. My loyalty to the governor remains absolute. I see that everybody is doing solidarity. I am also in solidarity with the governor. I am also declaring my unalloyed solidarity and loyalty to the governor and nothing more.”
Also at the interdenominational thanksgiving, Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, has said the nation is experiencing harrowing times with the future looking bleak amid the current socio-economic challenges.
Urging Nigerians not to lose hope in the country despite the prevailing circumstances, the governor noted that the glory of the new Edo Nation stands on the threshold of transformation in the area of infrastructure, development, innovation, and inclusiveness to build a state where humanity thrives.
He said, “I appreciate all those who have created time to come and worship with us at the 60th Mid-West Referendum and 32nd anniversary of Edo State.
“We are here today to praise and thank God for what He has done for us as a people. Yes, things are difficult, times are hard, and the future looks bleak but we must thank God as it can only get better with our belief and hope in him. This morning, I am expected to make some declarations upon the State and the glory of the new Edo nation.”
Quoting the Book of Psalms 24 vs 1-2, the governor said, “Dear citizens of Edo State, blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. The people He chose for his inheritance, the Earth is of the Lord and everything in it, the World and all who lives in it, for He founded it on the sea and established it on the waters. (Psalms 24 vs 1-2).
“Father you are as close as the very air we breathe. May we and our beloved State continue to grow and revolve around you and the light, life, and increase fill Edo State.
“Today marks a pivotal movement in our journey, a sermon to unite us in our collective efforts; the dawn of this new era has unveiled a horizon of limitless possibilities. It is both a responsibility and privilege to grasp this opportunity with unyielding determination.
“As we stand on the threshold of transformation, let us remember the dreams that ignited our hearts and inspiration that propel our endeavor; we are the architect of this emerging glory in our beloved state.
“Entrusted with the responsibility to shape its destiny, the glory of the new Edo rests not in its infrastructure alone but in the belief of its people, steadfast in their commitment to progress and unity. Let us carry the thought of innovation because it’s through innovation that we shall illuminate the path to success and prosperity.”
