The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has praised his deputy, Philip Shaibu on his birthday regardless of their worsening political feud.
Mr Shaibu turned 54 on Saturday.
The governor took to X (formally Twitter) and Fb to pay tributes to Mr Shaibu, acknowledging “the vitality and vigour” his deputy has dropped at bear in “bringing transformational change and growth to Edo State.”
“I congratulate my brother, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, @HonPhilipShaibu on his 54th birthday.
“I thank him immensely for his assist in the middle of our drive for the event of our State within the final seven years.
“Alongside making these contributions to this administration, he has remained an exemplary husband, father and a fantastic household man.
“I rejoice him in the present day and want him many extra years in good well being and sound thoughts,” the governor mentioned in a message he signed.
Political feud
Mr Shaibu first served as a lawmaker in Edo State earlier than he was elected a federal lawmaker in 2015. He later resigned and paired with Mr Obaseki on a joint ticket the place they contested and gained the governorship election within the state in 2016 beneath the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).
With the assist of the then-incumbent Governor now senator, Adams Oshiomhole, Messrs Obaseki and Shaibu loved a clean victory on the polls.
4 years later, they sought a second time period however have been denied a return ticket by Mr Oshiomhole who later grew to become the Nationwide Chairman of the APC, a scenario that pressured them to defect to the Peoples Democratic Occasion (PDP) the place they contested and gained the election in 2020.
After falling out with Mr Oshiomhole, Messrs Obaseki and Shaibu loved a powerful political bond till currently when the duo fell aside following Mr Shaibu’s ambition to succeed Mr Obaseki as governor in 2024.
Mr Shaibu lately sought a court docket safety over a perceived impeachment plot by the State Meeting however later withdrew the swimsuit and apologised to the governor after leaders within the state mediated peace between them.
Mr Shaibu on Monday formally declared to contest for the governorship of the state in 2024, saying “No person can cease my ambition”.
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READ ALSO: Obaseki and Shaibu deserve one another, By Azu Ishiekwene
The deputy governor mentioned, together with his political expertise spanning three a long time, no one is healthier positioned to succeed Mr Obaseki than him, including that the state can not afford to experiment with a brand new individual.
However Mr Obaseki, who seems to favour one other individual as his successor mentioned his deputy was “overambitious”.
He relocated Mr Shaibu’s workplace from the Authorities Home to a different space in Benin, the state capital.
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