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Edo Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu has denied planning coup against Governor Godwin Obaseki.
He said allegations by Obaseki on Thursday evening at his Jattu hometown in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo during a meeting with Etsako leaders and elders were untrue.
Shaibu noted that there were concerted efforts by some mischief makers and political jobbers to destabilise Edo and widen the gulf between him and Obaseki, insisting he remained loyal to his boss.
He said he was shocked by the Edo Governor’s coup allegation, stating he is innocent.
He spoke on Saturday during a meeting with his aides in Benin.
Shaibu declared that he was taken aback by Obaseki’s “outburst,” while stating that he would never contemplate a coup against a man who gave him so much latitude to work.
He noted that the allegations were not only baseless but malicious attempts by those he described as persons bent on misleading Obaseki with the aim of damaging his reputation.
He was reported to have said: “As the Deputy Governor, my role is to support and complement Edo Governor and his agenda.
“I have consistently advocated policies and initiatives that align with this administration’s goals and aspirations.
“It is disheartening to see the baseless allegations being propagated, as they only serve to distract the Obaseki’s administration from its primary objective of adequately serving the people of Edo State.
“I remain an unrepentant democrat. I believe in the democratic process. I respect the mandate given to Governor Obaseki and my humble self by the people of Edo State.
“The insinuation that I am considering a coup, to overthrow a democratically-elected government in Edo is not only absurd but deeply offensive.”
Peoplesmind
