11th April, 2024
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By Jethro Ibileke
The acting Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo State, Emperor Jaret Tenebe, has said that the impeached Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu, paid the price of loyalty.
Tenebe who hails from Uzairue, Etsako west local government area, is a kinsman of the former deputy governor.
Tenebe who stated this in a trending video clip when he paid a solidarity visit to the Shaibu in his Abuja residence on Wednesday, assured him that he would not be forsaken like an orphan in his trying time.
Tenebe’s visit is however coming in less than 24 hours after some APC members in Philip Shaibu’s home constituency protested his alleged plan to return to the APC.
The acting state chairman of APC in the video, likened what happened to Shaibu to that of Jesus Christ.
“He [Jesus] died for our sins, what has happened is a replica of what Jesus Christ did for humanity,” Tenebe said.
He added that though the former deputy governor has been successfully impeached, he (Tenebe) still refer to him as deputy governor.
Tenebe who urged Shaibu to be strong and continue to pursue his case in the law court, reminded him that when one door shut another opens.
According to him, “I am here to pay you this solidarity visit because I still regard you as the deputy governor of Edo State, because that sham they did in the Edo State House of Assembly is a disgrace to the governor and it is an aberration to our democracy. I know that the court will not allow it to stand.
“You are somebody who stood out. The price you paid is the price of loyalty, you were loyal even to the detriment of people you started with, you paid that price.
“We just celebrated Easter and we know the price Jesus Christ paid. He died for our sins, what has happened is a replica of what Jesus Christ did for humanity.
“Today, they have removed you as the deputy governor but we still regard you as the deputy governor, it is the price that you have paid to ensure that Obaseki and his semblance are rooted out of Edo State, and I can tell you that we will not allow you walk alone, we are with you in spirit.
“You are a strong man, and I am here as the chairman of APC in Edo State, and an Uzairue indigene, we both come from the same place. We should be strong, and I implore you to continue to pursue this matter in court and we will be with you all through and God is your strength.
“When one door is closed many more are opened, and many are opened for you from today. That is what the detractors don’t know, be strong and we will match on together.”
Responding, Shaibu who said that his impeachment was because of his ambition to contest the 21 September governorship election in the state.
He added that his removal would not stand the test of time.
Responding, Shaibu, said: “We have shared a lot of things both good and bad together. I am deeply humbled and happy that even this situation has brought us together as one that we are. You are one person that I have always admired, someone that I grew up with.
“The person that actually separated us has also united us and that is the beauty of what has happened. I want to assure you that as we move on, just like you said, this whole thing happened between the Lent and Ramadan season, and the lessons of Lent and Ramadan are obvious.
“I am not ready to change my attitude, I am ready to be a friend and loyal friend and partner.”