Shaibu recently obtained an injunction from a court, stopping his state assembly from impeaching him
By Kehinde Okeowo
Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu has insisted he will be pursuing his ambition to become the number one citizen of his state despite the rift between him and his principal, Godwin Obaseki.
He, however, declared his unalloyed loyalty to the governor and said he sees him as his elder brother, adding that their differences will be settled like a family.
Shaibu made this known on Sunday when he spoke at the 32nd anniversary of Edo State, held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, Edo State.
This is coming weeks after the deputy governor obtained an injunction from an Abuja Federal High Court, stopping the governor and state assembly from impeaching him.
Subsequently, Obaseki expressed shock and disappointment at his deputy’s action and accused him of plotting a coup against him.
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Shaibu, while celebrating the anniversary of Edo State, insisted that his ambition does not mean he is not loyal to the governor.
He said: “My loyalty to the governor remains absolute. I see that everybody is in solidarity. I am also in solidarity with the governor. I am also declaring my unalloyed loyalty to the governor and nothing more.”
“As for the issues that are around town when I was away, I really would not want to talk about them, especially about the governor. He is my elder brother and boss and I don’t think I should talk about anything.
“And if I have issues with him, I think it is better settled at home and not in the media. I am well brought up.
“I can tell you that from my Christian background, if you make a vow with God that you want to do something, you must fulfill it. And the vow I have taken with God is that I will continue to support Godwin Obaseki as the governor of Edo State from the beginning to the end.
“But that does not stop anything that has to do with ambition. Ambition is personal and it does not affect loyalty. My loyalty to the governor remains absolute. I see that everybody is doing solidarity. I am also in solidarity with the governor. I am also declaring my unalloyed solidarity and loyalty to the governor and nothing more.”