By Chidiebere Ugwu
Despite the much publicised reconciliation, apologies and acceptance of apology between the duo, it appears all may not still be well in the relationship between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, this paper has learnt.
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A reliable source at the Edo State government house, who pleaded anonymity to avoid victimisation informed this medium that a Toyota Landcruiser which was bought by the governor for the use of the Deputy Governor approximately three months ago as a replacement for the one given to him seven years ago has been handed over to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku instead.
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Miffed by this development, the source explained that in the first tenure of Governor Obaseki and Rt. Hon. Comrade Shaibu, only one vehicle, a Toyota Landcruiser was bought and allocated to the office of the Deputy Governor and that all the used escort vehicles in the convoy of the Deputy Governor were bought by friends of the deputy governor as support gifts in order not to expose him to unnecessary dangers.
“In the second tenure, the same vehicle allocated to the deputy governor about seven (7) years ago is yet to be replaced. It was because of this that it became obvious when a fast one was played on edolites last week, when in a twist of events, the Governor handed the Speaker a Toyota Landcruiser and a Toyota Hilux, instead of a Lexus sports utility vehicle that was approved for him.
“The Toyota Landcruiser was allegedly bought for the use of the Deputy Governor approximately three months ago as a replacement for the one given to him seven years ago,” the source explained.
The source lamented that this unfortunate incident where the Governor would deliberately deny the Deputy Governor of the vehicle, which was budgeted and bought in his name for a second tenure saying that the governor has also refused to release the vehicles for the assembly members, despite the N1.8billon approved and disbursed to the Governor to purchase their new vehicles.
He called on the good people of the state to rise against what he called “executive recklessness” which he insists must stop. He advised the governor to release the Toyota Landcruiser belonging to the deputy governor to him as this is statutory to the office.
