Obaseki asks Deputy, Shaibu to drop his governorship ambition before accepting apology – Sources

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State is alleged to have told his embattled deputy, Philip Shaibu to forget about his governorship ambition as a condition for him (Obaseki) to accept his public apology, according to Sahara Reporters.

Recall MyNigeria had reported that Philip Shaibu who is nursing governorship aspirations begged his principal to forgive him for all his “wrongdoings.”

Reacting to the plea by his second in command, Governor Obaseki said his deputy must drop his ambition before the rift between them can be resolved amicably, according to several sources who informed PM News Nigeria.

According to the source who is quoted on SaharaReporters, Obaseki would have no business with Shaibu until he demonstrated perfect commitment to him by publicly renouncing his governorship ambition.

The governor reportedly summoned all Edo executive members to Lagos for a two-day session dubbed "Exco retreat with Mr. Governor."

The deputy governor was neither alerted nor invited to the meeting, which took place last Saturday and Sunday.

According to the sources, the State Executive Council meeting for this week was held in Lagos till Monday, the 25th.

With the exception of the Deputy Governor, all Exco members were invited to the meeting.

According to reports, Obaseki has threatened to withdraw Shaibu's security vote and bar him from all government activities, including Exco meetings, if he participated in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries, according to SaharaReporters.

To prevent public criticism, the governor was alleged to have instructed his handlers to schedule an Excos lecture a day before the meeting to allow third parties to participate, so that the meeting would not be regarded as a formal but emergency Exco meeting.

NBA