The Locked Gate Saga: Inside the Tensions Between Edo’s Top Officials – In what seems like a scene from a political drama, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, faced a locked gate as he attempted to access his old office at the Government House in Benin City. This episode is emblematic of the deepening rift between Edo’s top leaders, offering a fascinating glimpse into state politics.
An Unexpected Welcome
On a Monday morning, with the sun casting long shadows on Dennis Osadebey Avenue, Shaibu, with his security team in tow, arrived at the Governor’s Office. His intention? A direct confrontation – or as some might say, a face-off – with the Governor. But instead of a meeting room, Shaibu found himself halted by a locked gate. The symbolism was hard to miss: barriers, both physical and political.
His frustration evident, Shaibu expressed his perplexity over the situation, stating that he hadn’t received any official communication about relocating to a new office. He remarked, “As I am speaking to you now, I am standing by the gate,” a statement that echoes not just his physical location, but perhaps his political positioning as well.
The Relocation Controversy
Rumors have it that a directive emerged last week from the office of the Head of Service, instructing Shaibu to move to a new location on Dennis Osadebey Avenue. But insiders have whispered about the state of this new office, painting a picture of a space abandoned and crying out for refurbishment.
The Broader Picture: Loyalty Amidst Tensions
This gate episode is merely the tip of the iceberg in a series of events marking a growing tension between Governor Obaseki and Deputy Governor Shaibu. Speculations of impeachment plans against Shaibu have made the rounds, though the Edo Assembly has been quick to quash such rumors. Moreover, accusations have flown from Obaseki’s camp, suggesting that Shaibu might be plotting a coup.
Yet, amidst this whirlwind of allegations and speculations, Shaibu’s loyalty to the Governor seems unshaken. At a recent event commemorating Edo State’s 32nd anniversary, he fondly referred to the Governor as his “elder brother and boss,” emphasizing that any differences they might have should be settled privately, away from the public eye.
Drawing from his Christian values, Shaibu stressed his unwavering support for Governor Obaseki. “The vow I have taken with God is that I will continue to support Godwin Obaseki from the beginning to the end,” he affirmed. He also shed light on the balance between personal ambition and loyalty, signifying that one’s aspirations should never overshadow their allegiance.
The locked gate incident, while seemingly straightforward, offers a window into the intricate dance of politics, ambition, and loyalty. As the story continues to unfold, one can only hope that the state’s best interests remain at the forefront, beyond locked gates and political tussles.
