The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu, has claimed that the legacy of Governor Godwin Obaseki has been severely damaged due to their fractured relationship.
Shaibu, who was once a close ally of Obaseki, suggested that the fallout between the two has overshadowed the positive policies they initially implemented together.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Shaibu reflected on the early days of their tenure, stating that although their collaboration had started on a positive note with several successful initiatives, the ongoing tensions have tarnished the Governor’s achievements.
“Obaseki’s legacy is badly affected because, in the beginning, we started very well. There were good policies we were able to implement, but no matter how good your policies are, when you start fighting everybody, like your deputy, your monarch, even the Bishop, that fight is what the people will see, they will not remember the good things you’ve done,” he said.
He argued that no matter how good the policies were, the public’s perception is now dominated by their personal conflict.
Shaibu revealed that despite the passing of time, he and Obaseki have yet to reconcile and are still not on speaking terms.
Their deteriorating relationship became public during the lead-up to the September 21 governorship election, which saw the All Progressives Congress emerge victorious.
The two men began their partnership in 2016, when Obaseki became governor and Shaibu his deputy. However, tensions rose when Shaibu expressed interest in succeeding Obaseki as governor. This led to a series of political clashes, including Shaibu’s impeachment, which he successfully contested in court.
Shaibu further accused Obaseki of sowing division within various sectors of the state, including the Christian community and traditional institutions. As the state prepares for the inauguration of a new government, Shaibu’s comments highlight the deep rift that continues to affect the political landscape in Edo State.
“If you don’t want me to contest for an election, you should speak to me like an adult. You cannot call me and say ‘Phillip don’t contest this election. If you contest, I will destroy you.’
“Just as Obaseki said that, the activist in me woke up because, for me, it’s my constitutional right to contest for an election,” he recounted his ordeal.
