Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shuaibu, has stated that he is ready to transfer power to the newly elected governor and deputy governor, regardless of whether outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki is present. Shuaibu made the statement in response to rumors about Obaseki’s absence from the state.
Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate who won the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo, defeating PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, is set to be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s *Sunrise Daily*, Shuaibu expressed his willingness to hand over to Okpebholo and his deputy, emphasizing that, even if Governor Obaseki is not present, he would proceed with the handover. “I am happy that today has come, and I am going to be handing over to a new deputy governor. Normally, if the governor is not there, the deputy governor will hand over. So whether he is there or not, I am ready to hand over,” Shuaibu said.
The Deputy Governor also discussed the strained relationship between him and Obaseki in the final days of their administration. He revealed that they had not communicated, stating, “The governor and I have been apart. He does not communicate with me, and we don’t talk. It is very unfortunate. This is the first time in Edo State that a governor and his deputy have parted ways without talking to each other.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Shuaibu shared that, despite remaining loyal to Obaseki, he faced numerous challenges during the administration. He also confirmed his return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that he left the party for the PDP out of loyalty to Obaseki. “I left APC because of him, and I am back to APC because of him,” Shuaibu said, adding that he was grateful for the opportunity to reconcile with his former political mentor, Adams Oshiomhole. “I thank him for the opportunity to be able to reunite with my father, Oshiomhole, whom I had a quarrel with because of Obaseki,” he concluded.
Peoplesmind
