Philip Shaibu, who recently resumed his duties as the deputy governor of Edo State, has declared his intention to oversee the peaceful transfer of power to the incoming administration, expressing his readiness to do so during the upcoming inauguration ceremony.
On Tuesday, Monday Okpebholo is scheduled to be formally sworn in as the new governor of Edo State in a significant event that will take place in Benin City.
Over the weekend, a representative from Okpebholo’s team accused the current governor, Godwin Obaseki, of employing various tactics to hinder the peaceful transition of leadership in the state.
Godspower Inegbe, who serves as a media aide to the governor-elect, conveyed concerns that Obaseki’s recent actions are perceived as attempts to delay and disrupt the official handover process.
The team voiced apprehensions that these actions by Obaseki could lead to unnecessary tension and potentially complicate what should be a smooth and cooperative transition process.
Highlighting the importance of stability for the state, they urged all stakeholders involved in the handover to commit to open dialogue and collaboration during this critical period of leadership change.
Inegbe added that Obaseki has yet to make any official gestures of goodwill, such as congratulating the governor-elect or inviting him for a familiarization tour of the government house.
In response, Obaseki stated that he had not received any invitation from Okpebholo’s team to attend the upcoming inauguration ceremony, underscoring his apparent detachment from the transition activities.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program, Shaibu clarified his position, stating that he would ensure the proper documentation is handed over to the incoming leaders, regardless of Obaseki’s presence or absence at the ceremony.
He disclosed that on Monday, he personally took Dennis Idahosa, the deputy governor-elect, on an extensive tour of the government house to acquaint him with the premises and operations.
“I am extremely delighted and eager. I’m looking forward to handing over to both the incoming governor and the new deputy governor,” Shaibu expressed enthusiastically.
“The office of the governor is unified; therefore, if the governor is unavailable, the deputy governor will manage the duties. But regardless of his presence, I am prepared to hand over all responsibilities to the deputy governor-elect.”
Shaibu affirmed that following the swearing-in ceremony, he would proceed to the government office to officially hand over, with all necessary documents prepared in advance. He mentioned that he had organized a visit to the office the previous day to help familiarize Idahosa with the environment and proceedings.
Shaibu added that he had not encountered Governor Obaseki in the past four days and noted the absence of any form of communication between them since their political rift.
“Throughout my time in the office yesterday, he was absent from the government house, and I last saw him four days ago,” Shaibu recounted. “We haven’t communicated, as he doesn’t maintain any communication with me.”
Reflecting on the strained relationship, he expressed disappointment, saying, “It’s unfortunate. This marks the first instance where a governor and his deputy will part ways without any direct communication.”
The disagreement between Obaseki and Shaibu has been ongoing, rooted in political differences that surfaced at the beginning of the year, casting a shadow over the conclusion of their term in office.