10th January, 2024
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu has attacked Governor Godwin Obaseki, saying his heart is desperately wicked in line with biblical verses.
Shaibu, in an interview on Arise TV on Wednesday quoted from Jeremiah 17:9-10, which says “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”
According to the deputy governor, he felt betrayed by Obaseki after he had supported him to become governor.
“I feel very betrayed. When we go to church, there are certain biblical verses that are becoming to make meaning to me. There is this particular verse that has been going through my mind: ‘The heart of man is desperately wicked.’ When I see what the governor is doing, the verse now makes meaning to me,” Shaibu stated.
Shaibu said he added value in terms of his political structure, his finances to ensure that Obaseki became governor, saying that all the vehicles that were used to campaign in 2016 were his.
He stated that he lost about 20% of his political capital in Edo North to support Obaseki, and in supporting him even as deputy governor.
“I supported the second term bid of the governor with my finances. Including how we got the ticket of the PDP, I contributed financially, both in naira and in dollars. If I say betrayal, it’s an understatement. I feel very hurt and betrayed,” he said bitterly.
Shaibu disclosed that he was persuaded to become Obaseki’s running mate, saying he actually did not want to be a deputy governor.
He said he was very comfortable in the House of Representatives, adding that it took almost one month to get him to accept to be the deputy governor of Edo State.
“I accepted to add value to the ticket of Obaseki because Obaseki was not known and he was not one of the politicians.
“They needed a young, vibrant politician that has won election before and that can add political value to the ticket,” Shaibu stated.