The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has made a plea for reconciliation with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, seeking to mend the rift that had marred their working relationship in recent times.
In an address to the press on Thursday, Shaibu expressed his desire for Governor Obaseki to forgive and move past the political differences that had strained their partnership.
“I use this medium to appeal to Mr Governor, if there is anything that I don’t know that I have done, please forgive me so that we can develop our state together.
“We have just one year to go. We have been the envy of the entire country. So Mr Governor, if there is anything you feel that I have done, please I am sorry. I need us to work together to finish well and strong”, he said.
When questioned about his current status in his new office, Shaibu acknowledged their return but emphasized that there remained much work to be accomplished.
“There is no problem about it. The governor has asked us to go there. Like I have always tried to prove, I am a loyal servant and nothing has changed.
“I took a personal vow to support my governor and you can see my Catholic people are here. When I took a vow with God, nothing can change it and I wish that the relationship that we had will come back in the next few days and weeks.
“I am missing my governor and by the grace of God, He will touch the governor’s heart and touch all of us and even those that are between us.
“I mean well. If there is any mistake I have made as a human, it is not out of wickedness because I know I’m not wicked. I have a very clean heart”, the deputy governor added.
The recent tension between Governor Obaseki and his Deputy, Shaibu had come to the forefront over alleged plots to impeach the deputy governor.
Just last month, Governor Obaseki publicly accused his deputy of conspiring to overthrow him, a charge that Shaibu vehemently denied.
In early September, Shaibu was notably barred from accessing a state-sponsored event attended by the governor and other prominent leaders.
Shortly thereafter, the deputy governor’s office was relocated to a separate building outside the Edo State Government House.
The unfolding events have attracted widespread attention, leaving many wondering whether this plea for reconciliation will bring about a resolution to the ongoing feud between the two prominent figures in Edo State politics.
