Edo Deputy Governor Relies on Friends Amidst 6-Month Allocation Drought

• Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, discloses six-month budgetary allocation hiatus due to tensions with Governor Obaseki, relying on goodwill
• Shaibu remains committed to Edo’s welfare despite challenges, emphasizing unity and pledging to champion good governance and strengthen institutions

Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, revealed that due to ongoing tensions with Governor Godwin Obaseki, his office has faced a six-month hiatus in receiving budgetary allocations. Speaking at the official launch of the Secretariat of the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Shaibu relied on friends and goodwill to sustain himself.

During the event, he highlighted the challenges faced, stating, “For six months, no allocation to my office. Whatever I am doing is contributions from friends and my goodwill, and I am still standing very strong.”

Shaibu, undeterred by the political tension, affirmed his commitment to prioritizing Edo State’s welfare. Despite the challenges, he emphasized the importance of unity within the state, saying, “Edo should be one, Edo at every time should be paramount in our minds.”

The Deputy Governor pledged to continue championing good governance in Edo, emphasizing his dedication to strengthening institutions. “I came into politics because we should have an egalitarian society and make institutions strong because that is the only way we can have the society of our dream,” he declared.

Shaibu stressed the significance of robust institutions that address power imbalances, moderate excesses, and support the vulnerable in society. He credited his political involvement to the belief that strong institutions cater to all strata of life, irrespective of wealth or status.

Expressing gratitude to journalists for their role in safeguarding him during encounters with the military, Shaibu pledged to contribute by paying one year’s rent for the newly launched secretariat.

The tension between Shaibu and Governor Obaseki revolves around Shaibu’s ambition to succeed Obaseki in the upcoming 2024 governorship election. State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Festus Alekhen, affirmed the council’s support for the chapel, making a cash donation of N100,000. The decision to move to the new secretariat aimed at providing members with a more spacious and serene environment.