A mild drama ensued in Edo State Government House on Sunday, as the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, was restrained from getting close to his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki at a public function.
The drama played out when Shaibu who tried to access the Governor following his (Shaibu’s) return from vacation in the United States but was rebuffed by personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) attached to the Governor’s Office who blocked his way.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sylvester Okungbowa, while reacting to the incident, said:
“Whatever happened at the Church service was not at the behest of the Governor, neither was he aware what the security aides were doing; in fact the security aides were doing their job. Besides, the governor was not aware that the deputy was coming to greet him.
“The Church is a public event, so the security aides had a duty to safeguard their principal.”
The incident happened during the Interdenominational Thanksgiving Church Service to mark Edo 32nd year anniversary, held at the Festival Hall, Government House.
It was also reported that no seat was reserved for the Deputy Governor on the Governor’s sitting row at the event, as he had to get a chair in front of the other aile of the hall.
Shaibu after the ceremony reaffirmed his unalloyed loyalty to his boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki, describing him as his elder brother.
The Deputy Governor said whatever disagreement he may have with his boss was strictly a family affair and he would never address the governor in the media, while maintaining that ambition does not affect loyalty as his loyalty to Obaseki remain absolute.
”Issues that concern my governor are not what I discuss on camera. He (Obaseki) is my elder brother and boss, if I have any issues with him, I think it is better settled at home not in the media. Family problem are better resolved in a family way”, he said.
“I am well brought up and from my Christian background, when you take a vow (with God), you must fulfil 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 doesn’t stop any other thing that has to do with ambition. Ambition is personal. Ambition does not affect loyalty. My loyalty to the governor remains absolute. I am also in solidarity with the governor and declaring my unalloyed loyalty to the Governor and nothing more.”
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