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Drama ensued at the church service to mark the 32nd anniversary of the creation of Edo State on Sunday, August 27, 2023, as a security details attached to the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, stopped the deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, from approaching his principal.
It was gathered that Shaibu, who has been in a frosty relationship with Obaseki over his governorship ambition, was not invited to the church service held in the Government House in Benin, the Edo State capital.
The deputy governor however made a move to access and greet his principal but as he approached, Obaseki who was seated beside his wife, Betsy, and Charles Aniagwu, the representative of the Delta State Governor, was stopped within two metres of the governor by the personnel of the Department of State Service (DSS).
Governor Obaseki looked the other way as Shaibu explained himself to the security operative who firmly but in a friendly tone kept the deputy governor away.
Obaseki’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Andrew Okungbowa, defended his principal on the treatment meted out to Shaibu.
He said: “Whatever happened at the church service was not at the behest of the governor, neither was he aware what the security aides were doing. In fact, the security aides were doing their job. Besides, the governor was not aware that the deputy was coming to greet him.
“The church is a public event, so the security aides had a duty to safeguard their principal.”
Speaking during the service, Obaseki said the nation is experiencing harrowing times with the future looking bleak amid the current socio-economic challenges but urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country despite the prevailing circumstances.
Shaibu has pledged absolute loyalty to the governor.
Speaking with journalists at the venue, the deputy governor described Obaseki as his elder brother.
He said: “My loyalty to Edo governor remains absolute. I see that everybody is doing solidarity. I am also in solidarity with the governor. I am also declaring my unalloyed solidarity and loyalty to the governor.
“If I have issues with him (Obaseki), it is better settled at home and not in the media. I am well brought up.”