The Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Emperor Jaret Tenebe, has expressed staunch support for the impeached deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, during a solidarity visit to Shaibu’s Abuja residence.
Tenebe vehemently criticized Shaibu’s impeachment, labeling it a disgrace to the governor and a threat to democracy, and encouraged Shaibu to utilize all legal channels to challenge it.
During the visit, Tenebe emphasized his continued recognition of Shaibu as the deputy governor of Edo State, denouncing the proceedings in the Edo State House of Assembly as a sham.
He commended Shaibu’s unwavering loyalty, likening it to the sacrifices made by Jesus Christ, and assured Shaibu of the party’s steadfast support throughout the legal process.
Tenebe, hailing from the same Uzairue community as Shaibu, urged him to remain resilient in the face of adversity, emphasizing that the party stands united behind him. He assured Shaibu that despite the closed door of his impeachment, numerous opportunities await him, unbeknownst to his detractors.
Tenebe told Shaibu: “I am here to pay you this solidarity visit because I still regard you as the deputy governor of Edo State because that sham they did in the Edo State House of Assembly is a disgrace to the governor and it is an aberration to our democracy which I know the court will not allow to stand.“You are somebody who stood out. The price you paid is the price of loyalty. You were loyal even to the detriment of the people you started with. You paid that price.“We just celebrated Easter, and we know the price Jesus Christ paid. He died for our sins, and what happened is a replica of what Jesus Christ did for humanity.“Today, they have removed you as the deputy governor but we still regard you as the deputy governor. It is the price that you have paid to ensure that Obaseki and his semblance are rooted out of Edo State. I can tell you that we will not allow you to walk alone. We are with you in spirit.“You are a strong man, and I am here as the chairman of APC in Edo State, and I am also an Uzairue indigene where we both come from. We should be strong. I implore you to continue to pursue this matter in court, and we will be with you all through, and God is your strength.“When one door is closed, many more are opened, and many are opened for you from today. That is what the detractors don’t know. Be strong, and we will match on together.”
The visit took place amidst protests by some APC members in Etsako West Local Government Area against the rumored return of Shaibu to the party, underscoring the contentious political climate surrounding the situation.
