Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, says his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki has withheld his statutory budgetary allocation for the last six months owing to the rift between them over his governorship ambition.
Shaibu, who stated this at the unveiling of the new secretariat office of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council in Benin City on Tuesday, said that he had been running the office through goodwill and contributions from friends.
While commending the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel for the befitting secretariat, Shaibu promised to continue to identify with journalists in order to strengthen journalism practice in Nigeria.
He said: “The environment is actually conducive and fine. I want to identify with you and to say I will always do anything for the growth of journalism and journalists anywhere I am.
“I will take care of the one year rent that you have paid. I am sure you contributed money to pay for the rent. I will return the money to you, so that it will be in your purse for other things you will like to do. I would have done more, but you know there is tension between the governor and I. For six months, no allocation to my office.”
The Deputy Governor noted that whatever act of generosity he displays stems from goodwill and contributions from friends. He, however, said he still stands very strong despite the denial of allowances.
He described himself as an ambassador of journalists, noting that he would forever be grateful to them as a story by an investigative reporter saved him from the grip of the dictator when he was incarcerated alongside other activists during the regime of the late Head of State, Gen. Sanni Abacha.
“I am your ambassador anywhere I am. This is not because of politics, but because of what you have done to save my life in the cause of doing your work.
“I wouldn’t have been deputy governor today if I am not alive. A journalist who did an investigation and wrote a report saved my life in the hands of the military.
“So, you can see the reason why I come anytime you invite me, even if it is difficult, I must show up because that is the only way I can appreciate and encourage you.”
On his aspiration to become governor, Shaibu said his desire was to ensure that good governance is seen and felt by the people, noting that Edo is top on his agenda with a view of strengthening institutions in the state.
The deputy governor further disclosed that his forage into politics was to make a positive change for strong institutions and in the lives of Edo people, which he said was why he has sacrificed so much.
According to him, “I am determined to make it what it ought to be, and determined to make sure that good governance is seen, felt and touched.
“I am also determined to make sure that in all things, Edo must be first and I am determined to strengthen institutions.
“I came into politics because I feel that we should have an egalitarian society; I came into politics to make institutions strong because that is the only way we can have that society of our dreams.
“When institutions are strong, you deal with those guys that think they are powerful, moderate their excesses, and also promote and help the weak, in the society.
“Institution does not know the rich, strong, and the poor, it takes care of all strata of life. That is what I am standing for, that is my calling to join politics. That is why I have sacrificed a lot of things to make sure the institution called Edo works. I even sacrificed my entitlement to make sure this institution works ”
Shaibu also disclosed that he would soon brief the whole world on his achievements as deputy governor of Edo state in the last seven years in office.
He maintained that his duties are to the people of the state, noting that his loyalty to the people is genuine.
His words: “In the coming weeks, I will give a stewardship of what I have done as deputy governor from 2016 to date. I will catalogue things I am entitled that I had to forfeit for peace and tranquillity and I will also catalogue some of the things that I have been asked to do as deputy governor and I have done them credibly well.
“Very soon, there is going to be a world press conference to give an overview of my stewardship as deputy governor.
“My duties are to Edo people, so you will be amazed that my loyalty is not purchased but genuine, real to Edo people and to make institutions strong. By the time I am done, Edo will have seen the level of sacrifices that some of us have in Edo State.”
