Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shuaibu has made it clear that he’s ready to hand over power to the newly elected governor and deputy governor, with or without outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki’s presence.
Shuaibu expressed his enthusiasm during an interview with Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, stating, “I am deeply happy that today has come and I am going to be handing over to a new deputy governor.”
This statement comes on the heels of rumors that Obaseki had gone AWOL, sparking concerns about the transition process.
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However, Shuaibu reassured that his readiness to hand over power remains unwavering, regardless of Obaseki’s whereabouts. “The governor and I have been apart. He does not communicate with me and we don’t talk. It is very unfortunate. I have not been able to see him in the last four days,” Shuaibu revealed.
“Normally, if the governor is not there, the deputy governor will hand over. So whether he is there or not, I am ready to hand over.”
Shuaibu also shared his experience working with Obaseki, describing it as tumultuous despite his loyalty. “Yes, I am back in APC. I am one of the very young guys that started the APC in Edo State. Because of loyalty, I went with my governor. I decamped from APC to PDP not because I wanted to, but because I was loyal to Obaseki. I left APC because of him, and I am back to APC because of him.”