The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu, has expressed his readiness to hand over his office to the newly elected governor and deputy governor, regardless of whether the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki, is present or not.
Shuaibu made this statement on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
His comments followed rumors that Governor Obaseki was missing from the state.
On Monday, Obaseki had granted a pardon to 10 inmates serving less than a year in correctional facilities, as part of his prerogative of mercy.
The announcement was made through a statement from Crusoe Osagie, the governor’s media adviser.
Okpebholo, the newly elected governor, emerged victorious in the September 21, 2024 governorship election, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In light of growing speculation about Obaseki’s absence, Shuaibu clarified that he was ready for the transition.
“I am deeply happy that today has come and I am going to be handing over to a new deputy governor,” he said.
“The governor and I have been apart.
He does not communicate with me and we don’t talk.
It is very unfortunate.
I have not been able to see him in the last four days.
Normally, if the governor is not there, the deputy governor will hand over.
So whether he is there or not, I am ready to hand over.”
When asked about his experience working with Governor Obaseki, Shuaibu reflected on his loyalty to the outgoing governor despite facing numerous challenges.
“Yes, I am back in the APC.
I am one of the very young guys that started the APC in Edo State.
Because of loyalty, I went with my governor.
I decamped from APC to PDP not because I wanted to, but because I was loyal to Obaseki.
I left APC because of him, and I am back to APC because of him.
I thank him for the opportunity to be able to reunite with my father, Oshimole, whom I quarreled with because of Obaseki.”
With Okpebholo’s victory, he becomes the fifth governor of Edo State since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999.
