The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu has expressed feelings of betrayal by his Governor, Godwin Obaseki following his endorsement of another candidate aside from the Deputy Governor.
In an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, Shaibu said, “I feel betrayed by the Governor. I feel very betrayed. When we go to church, there are certain biblical verses that are beginning to make sense to me.
“There is this particular verse that has been going through my mind: ‘The heart of man is desperately wicked.’ When I see what the governor is doing, the verse now makes meaning to me,” he added.
The embattled Deputy Governor made further revelations that he was persuaded to be the deputy governor to Obaseki, Shaibu said he added value to Obaseki’s government with political structure and finances.
He said, “Actually, I was persuaded and there was no protest. I actually didn’t want to be a deputy governor. I was very comfortable in the House of Representatives. It took almost one month to get me accepted to be the deputy governor of Edo State.
“Actually, I was persuaded and there was no protest. I actually didn’t want to be a deputy governor. I was very comfortable in the House of Representatives. It took almost one month to get me accepted to be the deputy governor of Edo State.
“I agreed to add value to the ticket of Obaseki because Obaseki was not known and he was not one of the politicians. They needed a young, vibrant politician that has won elections before and that can add political value to the ticket.”
Shaibu further stated, “I added value in terms of my political structure, my finances. All the vehicles that were used to campaign in 2016 are mine.”
“I lost about 20 percent of my political capital in Edo North to support Godwin Obaseki, and in supporting him even as deputy governor.
“I supported the second term bid of the governor with my finances. Including how we got the ticket of the PDP, I contributed financially, both in naira and in dollars. If I say betrayal, it’s an understatement. I feel very hurt and betrayed.”
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the Edo governorship election will be held on September 21, 2024.