Opportunistic politicians fuelling my conflict with Obaseki— Shaibu

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has said the conflict between him and the governor, Governor Godwin Obaseki, was fuelled by opportunistic politicians.

Shaibu said this on Saturday while refuting the claims of allegedly plotting a coup against Obaseki.

He said there is no disagreement between him and his boss, noting that the reports suggesting otherwise are the imagination of the fifth columnist.

This reaction is coming 24 hours after Obaseki openly discussed the conflict with his deputy.

Recall that Obaseki had accused Shaibu of working against his interest, while he described the situation as a “coup” against him.

He leveled the accusation in Jattu, during a meeting with elders and leaders representing Etsako West, East, and Central Local Government Areas within the state.

However, during a meeting with his assistants, Shaibu refuted the claims, labelling them as unfounded.

He asserted that these accusations are ill-intentioned efforts by individuals he referred to as opportunistic politicians, who are determined to misguide the governor.

He said the intention of those responsible for these accusations is to harm his reputation and create conflicts between him and the governor.

Shaibu explained that political jobbers sold the coup dummy to the governor whom he regards as his ‘elder brother’ to incite more crises for personal gain.

He said it is preposterous to contemplate a coup against a man who has given him so much latitude to operate.

While he reiterated his unwavering loyalty to Governor Obaseki and the Peoples Democratic Party, Shaibu said it is a privilege to serve as Obaseki’s deputy for the last seven years.

“Governor Obaseki and I are committed to the continued development of Edo State. We are united in our determination to build a prosperous and inclusive society.