"Deputy Governor Shaibu Vows Unwavering Allegiance to Governor Obaseki, Denounces Manipulation by Political Opportunists"

Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has accused certain elements of trying to exacerbate a perceived divide between him and Governor Godwin Obaseki in a self-serving bid to advance their own interests. Responding to what he termed a "startling" statement by Governor Obaseki, in which the governor alleged a desperate plot to remove him through a coup, Shaibu reaffirmed his allegiance to the governor while addressing his aides on Saturday.

Shaibu asserted that political opportunists had fed Governor Obaseki misleading information, aiming to escalate tensions and exploit the resulting turmoil for personal gain. He found it incredulous to even contemplate a coup against a leader who had granted him considerable autonomy in his role. Dismissing the allegations as unfounded and malevolent, Shaibu underscored his unwavering fidelity to Governor Obaseki and the tenets of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), which they both belong to.

Emphasizing his belief in cooperative efforts, Shaibu highlighted his collaborative endeavors with Governor Obaseki, showcasing their achievements across diverse sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation. He reiterated that his role as Deputy Governor was to bolster and complement the governor's agenda, not undermine it. Shaibu vehemently denied any hidden motives or intentions to undermine the governor's leadership, labeling such insinuations as complete fabrications.

In terms of the recent controversy surrounding the selection of commissioners in Etsako, new information emerged suggesting that Shaibu had not declined the governor's request but was instead redirected to address a pressing political issue in Edo north. Despite ongoing speculation, Shaibu reiterated his unwavering loyalty to Governor Obaseki, dispelling rumors of his alleged intention to rejoin the All-Progressives Congress (APC) and assuring that his commitment to his current path remained steadfast.

Shaibu implored those spreading divisiveness to prioritize the collective welfare of Edo State and its citizens over their own personal interests. He urged the public and media to approach such allegations with skepticism and to concentrate on crucial issues such as improving living standards, providing quality education, ensuring accessible healthcare, and generating employment opportunities.

Governor Obaseki had previously claimed that Shaibu's purported governorship aspirations might drive him to extreme measures, including orchestrating a coup to seize power. This assertion was made during a meeting with local leaders as part of campaign efforts for an upcoming local council election.