The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has affirmed his willingness to hand over office to the newly elected governor and deputy governor of the state, regardless of whether outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki is present
Shaibu made this statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, amidst rumors that Obaseki is currently absent from the state.
According to DAILY POST, Obaseki granted pardons to 10 inmates with less than a year left to serve in correctional facilities in the state on Monday.
Obaseki officially completed his term as governor on the same day and is set to transfer power to the incoming governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday.
Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election, where he defeated the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, led to his emergence as the new governor.
As rumors of Obaseki’s alleged absence spread, Shaibu expressed his satisfaction in preparing to hand over to Okpebholo and his deputy. He emphasized that he is ready for the transition, regardless of Obaseki’s whereabouts.
“I am deeply happy that today has come, and I will be handing over to a new deputy governor. The governor and I have been apart; he does not communicate with me, and we don’t talk. It is very unfortunate. I have not seen him at the government house in the last four days. Normally, if the governor is not around, the deputy governor takes over. So, whether he is here or not, I am ready to hand over,” Shaibu said.
Reflecting on his time working with the outgoing governor, Shaibu admitted that while he remained loyal to Obaseki, he endured numerous challenges during the administration.
He shared, “Yes, I am back in the APC. I was one of the young people who helped establish the APC in Edo State. Out of loyalty to the governor, I moved to the PDP. I left the APC for him and am now returning to the APC because of him. I thank him for giving me the chance to reunite with my father, Oshiomhole, with whom I had a falling out because of Obaseki.”
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