From Tony Osauzo, Benin
People of Edo Central senatorial district have called on the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, to stop fighting his boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and toe the path of peace in the spirit of equity and fairness.
Convener, Esan Advocate For Good Governance, Bartholomew Okoudo, who spoke with newsmen in Benin, said there was peace and security in Edo and urged the deputy governor not create the scene that there is none through his actions and desperate moves.
“It is the turn of Edo Central to produce the next governor of Edo State, anyone working contrary to such a plan is anti-people as it relates to the zoning arrangement by political parties.
“The people of Edo Central are calling on the deputy governor to exercise restraint and stop the incessant blackmail of Governor Obaseki, in a bid to pressure him to yield to pressure and disregard the senatorial zoning arrangement to produce the next governor of Edo State.”
He further alleged that Shaibu’s attempt to curry public sympathy was aimed at arm-twisting the governor, adding that the frustration he was expressing was only a ploy to make it seem as if he was being victimised.
“Shaibu thinks everything must be by force. It is on record that the people of Edo North produced Adams Oshiomhole, who is also from Etsako West Local Government Area, as Shaibu. He served for eight years between 2008 and 2016 before handing over to Governor Obaseki from Edo South senatorial district.”
He declared it is the turn of the Edo Central to produce the next governor according to the zoning arrangement.
“The shenanigans by Shaibu aimed at blackmailing the governor in pursuit of his unreasonable and desperate ambition to become the next governor at all costs will not work and must be resisted by all well-meaning Edo people.
“During the administration of Lucky Igbinedion between 1999 and 2007, the deputy governor at the time was Mike Oghiadomhe from Etsako in Edo North senatorial district. He also served for eight years.
“This was followed by Oshiomhole also from Etsako West as governor and now Shaibu, from Etsako West who is almost completing eight years tenure as deputy governor.
“How then can he be aspiring to be the next governor? Is this fair and equitable? What is the fate of the other local government areas and senatorial districts in the state?”
The convener stated that the deputy governor has his right to aspire for any political position in the state and country and urged him to stop the charades to pressure the governor into neglecting the zoning arrangement.