Security guards prevented the deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, from criticising Governor Godwin Obaseki at a public event on Sunday, which caused a spectacle at the Edo State Government House.
At the Interdenominational Thanksgiving Church Service to commemorate Edo’s 32nd year anniversary, held at the Festival Hall, Government House, Obaseki could be seen seated with his wife as the security aide stepped in front of him to block the entrance in the images that quickly went viral on social media.
This is not unrelated to the recent argument Shaibu had with his principal over his alleged desire to run for governor in 2024 after returning from vacation in the United States.
Shaibu expressed his commitment to Obaseki following the denial, saying that his devotion had nothing to do with his ambition to become the governor of the state.
He went on to say that the governor was his older sibling.
“My loyalty to the governor remains unwavering,” the deputy governor declared. I can see that everyone is standing together. I support the governor in this as well. I also reaffirm my whole allegiance to the governor and nothing else.
I definitely wouldn’t want to talk about the issues that were prevalent in town while I was abroad, especially those involving the governor. I don’t believe I should discuss anything with him since he is both my older brother and my boss.
And if I disagree with him, I believe it is best to resolve the matter privately rather than in public. I had a good upbringing.
“I can tell you from my Christian upbringing that you must keep a pledge you make to God if you want to achieve something. And I have sworn to God that I will continue to back Godwin Obaseki as governor of Edo State throughout his tenure.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sylvester Okungbowa, responded to the incident and defended his principal, saying, “Whatever happened at the Church service was not at the behest of the Governor, nor was he aware of what the security aides were doing; in fact, the security aides were performing their duty.
In addition, the governor was unaware that the constable was approaching him to say hello.
“The Church is an open gathering, so the security aides had a duty to safeguard their principal,” he added.
See the photos below:
