KEY POINTS
- Philip Shaibu inspects projects in Edo State, reiterating his role’s independence.
- The Edo government warns Shaibu against actions breaching extant laws.
- Shaibu aims to resolve administrative issues before handing over to the new administration.
The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, inspected ongoing development projects in the state capital, Benin, on Monday, expressing his readiness to work alongside Governor Godwin Obaseki despite recent tensions.
Philip Shaibu, who resumed duties following his reinstatement, visited several sites, including the Raddison Blu Hotel, Museum of West Africa Art (MOWAA), and ongoing road constructions.
Shaibu expresses concerns over project sites
Shaibu provided updates after inspecting the Museum of West Africa Art, which he noted was 80 percent complete. However, he voiced concerns about the choice of location, stating, “The Central Hospital should have been on that land.”
Shaibu reiterated that he was back at work and focused on governance rather than dwelling on his reinstatement. “Judgment has been given. We should move forward,” he said. According to Punch, he also addressed speculation regarding his working relationship with Governor Obaseki.
“I can work with him, but he cannot work with me,” Shaibu remarked, emphasizing the independence of his office as constitutionally separate from that of the governor.
The deputy governor highlighted the unique nature of his role, which, unlike an appointed position, is based on election and the constitution.
He mentioned his upcoming visits across Edo South, Central, and North to assess the state’s development progress, adding, “A new sheriff is in town, and we must hand over to him.”
Call for focus amid political disputes
Shaibu dismissed statements being released from outside the country and urged the people of Edo State to focus on ongoing developmental projects.
“We should not respond to people on exile who push out press releases,” he asserted, adding that those interested in addressing Edo’s issues should do so on the ground.
He also responded to questions about the future of the museum, indicating that any changes would be decided by the governor-elect once they assume office.
“My role as deputy governor is to discharge my duties accordingly,” Shaibu clarified.
In his inspection, Shaibu acknowledged administrative issues at other project sites, such as the Raddison Blu Hotel, noting that these issues needed resolution within the next six weeks to ensure a smooth handover to the incoming administration.
Government’s response to Shaibu’s actions
The Edo State Government responded to Shaibu’s activities through a statement by Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser on Media Projects. The government warned Shaibu not to breach existing laws and emphasized that he must respect the legal process.
Osagie also noted that, while Shaibu is free to inspect projects like any private citizen, any actions violating the law would not be tolerated.
The government reassured the people of Edo State of its commitment to maintaining law and order and urged residents to continue with their lawful activities.
