Former Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has disclosed that he never had faith in ex- Governor Godwin Obaseki’s leadership even before they both assumed office on November 12, 2016.
Shaibu made this revelation on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm programme, where he spoke about his reservations regarding Obaseki’s leadership capabilities.
“Obaseki is not a politician. We made him governor, Oshiomhole convinced us. I was not one of those that believed he should be the governor because I didn’t believe in him,” Shaibu stated.
Despite his doubts, Shaibu said he eventually supported Obaseki out of respect and based on the assurances of former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole.
“When he was brought out to contest, I was the last man standing saying no to him, but out of respect, I was convinced. But what we were told, and Comrade predicted well, was that we needed him because we were going into recession, and we needed someone that has an economic background with private sector knowledge. We believed Comrade, we didn’t believe him,” he explained.
The former deputy governor also reflected on their first term in office, revealing that their political structure was dismantled to accommodate Obaseki in line with Oshiomhole’s vision for the state.
“We dismantled our structure and gave him everything,” he said.
However, Shaibu noted that their second term was marred by a different political atmosphere.
“Second term was a different ball game; it was a time of godfatherism in Edo State,” he added.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
