19th December, 2023
By Jethro Ibileke
The deputy governor of Edo State, Mr. Philip Shaibu, on Monday, disclosed how he had been denied his statutory allocation for six months by the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, because he indicated an interest in contesting in next year’s governorship election in the state.
He made the disclosure while speaking at the formal inauguration of the secretariat of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Edo State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Benin.
Shaibu said that whatever act of generosity he displays stems from goodwill and contributions from friends. He, however, said he still stands very strong despite the denial of allowances.
He said: “You know there is tension between the governor and I. And 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, and I will continue to be strong because for me, Edo should be one, Edo at every time should be paramount in our minds.”
The deputy governor further disclosed that his forage into politics was to make a positive change for strong institutions and in the lives of Edo people, which he said was why he has sacrificed so much.
According to him, “I am determined to make what it ought to be and I am determined to make sure that good governance is seen, felt and touched.
“I am also determined to make sure that in all things, Edo must be first and I am determined to strengthen institutions.
“I came into politics because I feel that we should have an egalitarian society; I came into politics to make institutions strong because that is the only way we can have that society of our dreams.
“When institutions are strong, you deal with those guys that think they are powerful, moderate their excesses, and also promote and help the weak, in the society.
“Institution does not know the rich, strong, and the poor, it takes care of all strata of life. That is what I am standing for, that is my calling to join politics. That is why I have sacrificed a lot of things to make sure the institution called Edo works.
“I even sacrificed my entitlement to make sure this institution works and in the coming weeks, I will give a stewardship of what I have done as deputy governor from 2016 to date.”
Mr Shaibu also disclosed that he would soon brief the whole world on his achievements as deputy governor of Edo state.
“I will catalogue it to things I am entitled that I had to forfeit for peace and tranquillity and I will also catalogue some of the things that I have been asked to do as deputy governor and I have done them credibly well.
“Very soon, there is going to be a world press conference to give an overview of my stewardship as deputy governor.
“Don’t forget, when we are contesting this election before the general election I am an aspirant and immediately after the election, I am now the deputy governor of Ed state.
“My duties are to Edo state people, so you will be amazed that my loyalty is not purchased but genuine, real to Edo people and to make institutions strong. By the time I am done, Edo will have seen the level of sacrifices that some of us have in Edo State.”
Also speaking at the event, the chairman of NUJ, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe congratulated and commended members of the Correspondents’ Chapel for the bold initiative.
Alenkhe who noted that the NUJ remains the umbrella bosy of all journalists, made a donation of ₦100,000 on behalf of the State Council.
Earlier in her welcome speech, the Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Nefishetu Yakubu, noted that decision to acquire the secretariat was fueled by the need for a more spacious and serene environment for its members.
She however noted that the new secretariat is not an alternative to the NUJ Press Center.
“Today marks a momentous occasion as we gather here to celebrate the commissioning of the new Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ Secretariat, coupled with our end of year party.
“Our Correspondents Chapel, a proud child of the Edo state Council of the NUJ under the leadership of Comrade Festus Alenkhe, has embarked on a remarkable journey to this new Secretariat.
“The decision to move, was fueled by the need for a more spacious and serene environment, especially for our members who are duly accredited journalists working in national newspapers with head offices outside Edo state.
“Our new Secretariat is not an alternative to the NUJ Press Center, which is home to all Journalists. It merely symbolizes our commitment to providing a comfortable and productive workspace for our members. It’s a testament to our unwavering dedication to the principles of journalism and the pursuit of excellence.
“While we may be physically distant from the head offices of our respective newspapers, our hearts remain firmly connected to our journalistic responsibilities.”
Yakubu who commended her members for their unflinching and invaluable support, urged them to continue to “uphold the principles of journalism, foster camaraderie and contribute to the vibrant media landscape we all cherish.”
Photo:
Edo deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu (left) with Comrade Nefishetu Yakubu, Chairman, Correspondents Chapel, Edo State