By Kolawole Kayode
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki yesterday explained why he would not back his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, to succeed him.
He said it was not yet time for intense politicking, as doing so would be a distraction.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, said no amount of blackmail would make the Edo governor support Shaibu’s governorship aspiration at this time.
The media aide said it was his boss’ well-considered position that abandoning governance to pursue intense politics now would not be in the best interests of the Edo people.
Osagie, who described Shaibu as a rabble-rouser, noted that he took his indiscipline and hubris to the zenith by trying to create a crisis.
The spokesman said: “Shaibu always plays the card of a very loyal deputy, but this is far from reality. A sinner runs when no one pursues him.
“The most blame goes to Governor Obaseki for trying to adopt a civilised manner in relating with his deputy, in a society where such gesture would be taken for weakness.”
The relationship between the governor and the deputy was ruptured over the deputy governor’s decision to contest next year’s election.
The governor is believed to be backing a Lagos-based professional to succeed him in office.
As a result of the frosty relationship, the deputy governor has gone to the Federal High Court in Abuja to seek protection from victimization.
Comrade Shaibu is currently away in the United States.
Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, said he and other leaders of the party will intervene.
Aziegbemi, who spoke to our reporter on telephone, said chieftains of PDP in Edo were working behind the scenes to ensure peace, especially to quickly resolve the face-off between Obaseki and Shaibu.
He said: “No PDP lawmaker in Edo State House of Assembly has informed me of any move to impeach the deputy governor. As a party, we are not aware of the impeachment plot.
“We will soon get over the disagreement between Governor Obaseki and Comrade Shaibu, as we are making efforts, but you do not expect me to give the details on the pages of the newspaper.”
Edo chairman of PDP also urged residents of the state to continue to support the focused Obaseki’s administration
The Assistant Publicity Secretary of APC in Edo, Victor Osehobo, however, declared that Obaseki’s aspiration to become godfather would fail, in view of his not being patient to learn from his political leaders.
Osehobo said: “I have no iota of sympathy for the outgoing deputy governor of Edo, who is scared and wailing that he will be impeached.
“I am concerned that it is all part of a plan, doomed to fail, for Obaseki to become the godfather in Edo state.
“He cannot be seeking to choose his successor, posing as a godfather, whereas he opposed godfatherism over time.
“As a godson, Obaseki did not wait to get sufficient guidance from his godfather, to understand the responsibilities and expectations associated with the role.
“Becoming a godfather requires a certain level of preparation, including learning, understanding the importance of the role, and being committed to being a positive influence. Obaseki invested time and effort into destroying his own godfather.
“Shortly after he took office in 2016, Obaseki became a bad godson. He destroyed the bond and connection with his godfather.
“Being a godfather is a lifelong commitment, and requires regular involvement in the godchild’s life. The man (Obaseki) should serve his tenure and leave.