Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, has affirmed his unwavering allegiance to his superior, Godwin Obaseki, despite the recent differences between them.
He emphasized, however, that his loyalty is separate from his aspirations to become the governor of Edo State.
Speaking on Sunday during the celebration of Edo State’s 32nd anniversary at the New Festival Hall in the Government House, Benin City, Shaibu characterized the governor as akin to an elder brother.
This statement comes in the wake of weeks of contention between the governor and his deputy. The deputy had taken legal action by obtaining an injunction from the Federal High Court in Abuja to prevent the governor and the state assembly from pursuing plans to impeach him.
Obaseki, on his part, expressed surprise at his deputy’s actions and accused him of orchestrating a coup against him.
Shaibu, however, said, “My loyalty to the governor remains absolute. I see that everybody is in solidarity. I am also in solidarity with the governor. I am also declaring my unalloyed 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 about them, especially about the governor. 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.”
