Obaseki Reacts as Philip Shaibu Inspects Projects as Deputy Governor

• Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu inspected ongoing state projects, emphasizing his readiness to work with Governor Obaseki despite past tensions
• Shaibu stated that the reinstatement issue is settled, urging collaboration and announcing plans for project inspections across Edo State

Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, inspected several ongoing state projects on Monday, amid ongoing tensions with Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Shaibu visited various projects, including the multi-billion naira Radisson Blu hotel, the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA), and ongoing road reconstructions at Okada Avenue and Central Road. During his tour, Shaibu informed the press that he had resumed his duties and expressed his readiness to work alongside Governor Obaseki.

In his remarks, Shaibu emphasized that the reinstatement issue was settled and should be left in the past. “I have since resumed. The issue of reinstatement is a thing of the past. Judgment has been made, and we should move forward. The question is not whether I can work with Obaseki, but whether he can work with me,” Shaibu said. He highlighted that the office of the Deputy Governor is constitutionally established and separate from the Governor’s office.

Shaibu also announced that he would conduct project inspections across the state, beginning with Edo South, to ensure a smooth handover to the next administration. “In the next two weeks, I will start with Edo South, then Central and North, to check what has been done. A new sheriff is in town, and we must hand over to him,” he stated.

Meanwhile, through its Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, the Edo State Government cautioned Shaibu against breaching state laws. Osagie stated that while Shaibu, like any citizen, could tour government projects, he must ensure his actions comply with existing legal frameworks. The government further urged Shaibu to await the outcome of the Appeal Court regarding his case and reminded him to respect the rule of law.

The statement reassured citizens that the government remains committed to safeguarding lives and property in Edo State following the law.