Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has explained why he would not support his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, to succeed him ahead of 2024 governorship election.
The governor noted it was not yet time for intense politicking, as doing so would be a distraction.
Obaseki spoke in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie on Sunday.
He said no amount of blackmail would make the Edo governor support Shaibu’s governorship aspiration at this time.
The media aide said it was his boss’ well-considered position that abandoning governance to pursue intense politics now would not be in the best interests of the Edo people.
Osagie, who described Shaibu as a rabble-rouser, noted that he took his indiscipline and hubris to the zenith by trying to create a crisis.
He said: “Shaibu always plays the card of a very loyal deputy, but this is far from reality. A sinner runs when no one pursues him.
“The most blame goes to Governor Obaseki for trying to adopt a civilised manner in relating with his deputy, in a society where such gesture would be taken for weakness.”
The relationship between the governor and the deputy was ruptured over the deputy governor’s decision to contest next year’s election.
The governor is believed to be backing a Lagos-based professional to succeed him in office.
As a result of the frosty relationship, the deputy governor has gone to the Federal High Court in Abuja to seek protection from victimization.
It was gathered that Comrade Shaibu is currently away in the United States.
Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, said he and other leaders of the party will intervene in the crisis.
The Assistant Publicity Secretary of APC in Edo, Victor Osehobo, however, declared that Obaseki’s aspiration to become godfather would fail, in view of his not being patient to learn from his political leaders.
Osehobo said: “I have no iota of sympathy for the outgoing deputy governor of Edo, who is scared and wailing that he will be impeached.
“I am concerned that it is all part of a plan, doomed to fail, for Obaseki to become the godfather in Edo state.
“He cannot be seeking to choose his successor, posing as a godfather, whereas he opposed godfatherism over time.
“As a godson, Obaseki did not wait to get sufficient guidance from his godfather, to understand the responsibilities and expectations associated with the role.
“Becoming a godfather requires a certain level of preparation, including learning, understanding the importance of the role, and being committed to being a positive influence. Obaseki invested time and effort into destroying his own godfather.
“Shortly after he took office in 2016, Obaseki became a bad godson. He destroyed the bond and connection with his godfather.
“Being a godfather is a lifelong commitment, and requires regular involvement in the godchild’s life. The man (Obaseki) should serve his tenure and leave.”
