By Chinyere Anyanwu
Edo State Deputy Governor and PDP governorship aspirant, Philip Shaibu, has said he was not fighting his principal and boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Shaibu said the governor has declared a full-scale war on him over his (Shaibu) ambition to succeed him.
The deputy governor claimed that Obaseki wanted to play the role of a political godfather in the state, a situation they both fought and agreed should never be.
He emphasised that their shared focus remains serving the people and dismantling the influence of godfathers in Edo politics.
Shaibu revealed that he staked his long term relationship with Obaseki’s predecessor and now Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, to fight oppression and back his principal’s aspiration
Shaibu lamented that despite standing with Obaseki against Oshiomhole whom he considered as a father, it was surprising that the governor was pitching tent with another governorship aspirant to become the next governor.
“This is the same governor that has issued me several commendation letters that I am the best deputy any governor will wish to have because of my efficiency, transparency and accountability.
“Anyone who says I betrayed the governor is not correct. We all agreed as a group to fight godfathers – even the governor pledged to fight godfatherism in the state, and said he should be dealt with if he turns around and attempts to play the role of a godfather.
“Because I hate oppression, I staked my relationship (with Oshiomhole). That relationship, I lost about 20 percent of my political capital in Edo North to support Godwin Obaseki and in supporting him, even as deputy governor that does not have any line financially, through my friends and others, I supported the second term bid of the governor with my structure, all my vehicles and finances including how we got the ticket of PDP, I contributed financially.”
He denied any formal discussions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding a successor to Obaseki in 2024 when his tenure would end. “It is not an Edo Central or Edo North thing,” he quipped.
Addressing concerns within the party about regional representation in future elections, he took a swipe at his detractors, saying, “it is those who don’t have political charisma to sell themselves who are complaining.”
The deputy governor assured Edo citizens that his emergence as the state governor in the forthcoming election would mean a better life for them.