By Ogochukwu Isioma
Despite the rift between him and his boss, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, on Sunday, reaffirmed his unalloyed loyalty to Governor Godwin Obaseki, whom he described as his elder brother.
Shaibu stated this while addressing journalists shortly after the Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service to mark Edo State 32nd year anniversary, held at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
Fielding questions from Government House correspondents, Shaibu said whatever disagreement he may have with his boss was strictly a family affair and he (Shaibu) would never address the governor in the media, while maintaining that ambition does not affect loyalty as his loyalty to Obaseki remain absolute.
His words, ”Issues that concern my governor are not what I discuss on camera. He (Obaseki) is my elder brother and boss, if I have any issues with him, I think it is better settled at home not in the media. Family problem are better resolved in a family way.
“I am well brought up and from my Christian background, when you take a vow (with God), you must fulfil 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 doesn’t stop any other thing that has to do with ambition. Ambition is personal. Ambition does not affect loyalty. My loyalty to the governor remains absolute. I am also in solidarity with the governor and declaring my unalloyed loyalty to the governor,” Shaibu said.
Speaking on Saturday’s Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin 4-3 victory on penalty kicks over Aso Chlef Football Club of Algeria in the second round of the 2023/2024 CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round, the Deputy Governor congratulated the team for the heroic performance.
Shaibu, who was former captain of Insurance that led the team to the Nigeria Premier Football League two seasons ago, thanked Governor Obaseki for believing in his inability as a former professional footballer and sportsman and allowing him (Shaibu) to handle sports, while also expressing gratitude to members of his team and Edo sport lovers who joined hands to revive the Bendel Insurance Football Club.
Dignitaries who graced the ceremony include Governor Obaseki, representatives of the Governors of Delta and Bayelsa States, Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Blessing Agbebaku; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie; Prof. Darlington Obaseki, Chief Medical Director, University of Benin Teaching Hospital; Dr. Osahon Enabulele, President, World Medical Association (WMA); Rev Felix Omobude, former Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN); Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace, among others.
