By Seyi Babalola
Contrary to reports, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has not asked his embattled deputy, Philip Shaibu, to drop his governorship ambition as a precondition for peace between both of them, investigation by metrowatchxtra.com has revealed.
A source, privy to the issues around both leaders said: “there is no iota of truth in Obaseki giving condition to Shaibu to forget his ambition to contest 2024 governorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”
It was earlier reported in some sections of the media that the state government, in a deliberate bid to block Shaibu from attending the state executive council meeting moved the session to Lagos
But investigation has also revealed that the Edo State Executive Council has not relocated to Lagos contrary to a rumour making the rounds but rather the EXCO only went for its annual retreat, with the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, commissioners and other heads of MDAs in attendance.
According to a close source, the retreat which was held at Lakowe Lakes Golf Resort and Country Estate in the outskirts of Lagos, is a yearly ritual by the state government for strategic sessions with different invited resource persons to brainstorm on the programmes of the government and set agenda for the coming year, with guidelines and dateline for implementation, among others.
The source further noted that the Council meeting held on Monday was due to speculation that Wednesday would be declared a Public Holiday, debunking insinuation that it was to prevent the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, from attending the meeting.