Edo State Deputy Governor and frontline Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in the 2024 gubernatorial election, Philip Shaibu has strongly condemned the alleged attempt to ridicule the Office of Deputy Governor, saying that it is not about him, but about the office that must be preserved and respected.
Shaibu who spoke yesterday during this year’s Auchi Day Celebration at the Palace of the Otaru of Auchi, narrated how the State Government Liaison Officer in Abuja, Deacon Festus Osaigbovo, allegedly denied him official vehicles from Abuja to Auchi to attend the event, giving all sort of excuses and citing directives from above.
The traditional rulers and other guests present who were apparently shocked at the revelation, listened attentively as the Deputy Governor narrated his ordeal in the hands of the Liaison Officer.
According to Shaibu, “I called the Liaison Officer to provide vehicles to take me to Auchi to be part of this year’s edition of Auchi Day Celebration. Unfortunately, he started giving me all sort of excuses as to why he could not provide the vehicles.
“He talked about fuel, non-availability of a Hilux for my security, and ended up saying he can only assist me to hire an SUV to take me to Auchi, the cost at which he put at N250,000.”
“However, I managed to be in Auchi because I was determined to be part of this celebration. It is a sad commentary because as a government, we should imbibe the spirit of respecting the institution rather than trying to ridicule them.”
“We are here today as government officials, we may not be here tomorrow but the institution remains for generations yet unborn.”
Shaibu, however, pleaded with the royal fathers and the guests to support his aspiration to be the next Governor of Edo State, reeling out a catalogue of flagship programmes he intend to execute if elected.
He specifically assured the traditional rulers of a pride of place in his government.
As at the time of filing this report, the State Government Liaison Officer in Abuja, Deacon Festus Osaigbovo, was yet to react to the allegation by the Deputy Governor.
