Shuaibu: I’m ready to hand over, either Obaseki is there or not

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr. Philip Shuaibu, has stated his readiness to hand over power to the newly elected governor, Senator Monday in the presence or absence of the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki.

Reacting to the rumors that Obaseki won’t be present in the swearing in of the new governor and his deputy due to his absence from the state, Shuaibu stated that it does not stop anything.

As reported by the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM),Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate who won the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, is set to be sworn in today, Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

The outgoing deputy governor, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, expressed his delight in handing over power to Monday Okpebholo, the newly elected governor, and his deputy.

He stated “I am deeply happy that today has come, and I am going to be handing over to a new deputy governor.”

Shuaibu emphasized that, as per protocol, the deputy governor typically handles the handover in the governor’s absence, and he’s ready to proceed regardless of the governor’s presence.

Also, the outgoing deputy governor opened up about his relationship with Obaseki in the final days of their administration.

According to Shaibu, their relationship has been complex, with underlying tensions despite outward displays of cordiality.

He stated “the governor and I have been apart. He doesn’t communicate with me, and we don’t talk.”

“It’s very unfortunate. This is the first time in Edo State that a governor and his deputy will have to part without talking to each other.”

He also mentioned that he made an effort to reconcile but hasn’t seen Obaseki at the government house in the last four days.

In addition, Shuaibu, sharing his experience working with Obaseki, highlighted that despite his loyalty, he faced numerous challenges during their administration.

He said his journey with Obaseki has been complex, marked by periods of tension and conflict, ultimately leading to his impeachment in April 2024, which was later overturned by a federal high court in July.

The former deputy governor revealed that he was one of the young pioneers who helped establish the APC in Edo State.

“Due to my loyalty to Obaseki, I initially left the APC to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” Shuaibu stated.

Shaibu expressed gratitude for the chance to reconcile with Adams Oshiomhole, whom he considers a father figure, after their disagreement rooted in his loyalty to Obaseki.

He stated “I’m thankful for the opportunity to reunite with my father figure, Adams Oshiomhole, with whom I had a falling out due to my loyalty to Obaseki.”

Know about Philip Shuaibu

Philip Shaibu is a Nigerian politician who served as the Deputy Governor of Edo State between 2016 and 2024.

He was born on December 1, 1969, in Kaduna, Nigeria. He hails from a Christian family. His father was Pastor Francis Osikpomobo Shaibu, and his mother was Lucy Momoh.

Educational background of Shuaibu

Shaibu’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Jos and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Benin.

Before venturing into politics, he worked with the Nigerian Prisons Service in Abuja but voluntarily retired as an Assistant Inspector of Prisons in 2002.

Early Political Career of Shaibu

Shaibu’s political journey began in 2003 when he contested for a seat in the Edo State House of Assembly under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) but lost.

However, he didn’t give up. In 2007, he won the election to represent the Etsako West Constituency under the Action Congress (AC) at the Edo State House of Assembly.

Notable Positions

Some notable positions held by Shaibu include Member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Etsako from 2015 to 2016, Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly from 2010 to 2015, and Deputy Governor of Edo State since 2016.

Party Affiliations

The Kaduna born man has been affiliated with several political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

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