The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, on Monday resumed official duties as promised, despite ongoing opposition from Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Shaibu, who recently inspected several projects in Benin City, declared that he is ready to work in collaboration with the governor for the benefit of the state.
Shaibu’s inspection included the Radisson Blu Hotel, the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), and various road construction sites across the state capital.
Speaking during the tour, he shared his thoughts on the progress of the MOWAA project, which he stated was 80% complete.
“Work is about 80 percent completed at MOWAA. It’s fine, but I have my reservations because the Central Hospital should have been on that land,” Shaibu noted.
He also made it clear that he had resumed his duties as Deputy Governor following his reinstatement by the court. “I have since resumed my duties following my reinstatement.
The issue of reinstatement should be a thing of the past. I don’t think we should keep discussing it. Judgement has been given, and we should move forward,” he added.
However, Shaibu addressed the ongoing tensions between himself and Obaseki, asserting that while he is willing to work with the governor, the reverse does not seem to be true.
“Can I work with him? Yes, I can, but he cannot work with me. The Office of the Deputy Governor is not subordinate to Obaseki. It’s an office created by the Constitution,” he emphasized.
He further highlighted the constitutional distinction between the roles of Governor and Deputy Governor, calling for better understanding of their respective responsibilities.
Shaibu went on to outline his plans for the state in the coming weeks, announcing a statewide tour beginning with Edo South, followed by Central and North.
“I am doing my work as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. A new sheriff is in town, and we must ensure a proper handover,” he said.
He also dismissed press statements made by individuals abroad, calling on the people of Edo to ignore them. “We should not respond to people in exile who issue press releases. We are here; we are homeboys here in Edo,” Shaibu remarked.
Meanwhile, Governor Obaseki’s camp responded to Shaibu’s actions through his Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie. In a statement, Osagie warned Shaibu not to disrupt governance and to respect the rule of law.
“Shaibu, just like any private citizen, can take a tour around the exceptional projects of Governor Godwin Obaseki. We warn, however, that both Philip Shaibu and the security agencies should not carry out actions that violate the laws and the constitution,” Osagie cautioned.
The Edo State Government assured citizens that it remains committed to maintaining law and order, urging residents to continue their lawful activities without fear.
