Edo Deputy Governor Resumes Amidst Anxiety And Talks Of New Office Location

Anxiety mounts in Benin City, the Edo state capital, as the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Philip Shaibu, resumes today after his month-long annual leave. 

The anxiety is not unconnected with his decision to file a suit against his principal, Godwin Obaseki, and others over a purported impeachment plan.

According to reports, the governor and his political allies are yet to overcome their shock over the action which they have condemned in strong terms.

They are also said not to be comfortable with his return after what they described as his attempted coup, with some suggesting that he be assigned a new office location. 

The estranged Deputy Governor was seen at the Thanksgiving Services to mark the 60th anniversary of the referendum that led to the formation of the Midwest Region, which has metamorphosed to Bendel state from which Edo and Delta states have since emerged.

He was however, not involved in any convivial contact with his principal. He was said to have been barred by security operatives from having any contact with his principal, allegedly acting on instructions from the governor. 

Although sources say Shaibu may be assigned a new office location outside Government House, none of the sources would confirm if he will be part of Exco meetings or be assigned any official matter, going forward. 

In his reaction to enquiries by FreshNews, Press Secretary to the Dep Governor, Ebomhiana Musa, described the reports as the imagination of those reports. 

"Not true pls, it's the imagination of social media rats, who are benefiting from the misunderstanding between Mr Governor and his Deputy. Thanks. CPS," said in a WhatsApp reply to FreshNews enquiry. 

Meanwhile, Governor Obaseki will, on Monday, play host to his visiting Delta state counterpart, sheriff Oborevwori, and other important Edo/Delta states stakeholders, at the colloquium designed to celebrate the 60th Midwest Referendum anniversary.