Kehinde Fajobi
Edo State’s Deputy Governor, Philip Shuaibu, has confirmed his readiness to hand over office to the newly elected governor, Monday Okpebholo, whether or not the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki, is present.
Shuaibu made the statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, following rumours about Obaseki’s alleged disappearance from the state.
Obaseki, who concluded his tenure on Monday, granted pardon to 10 inmates earlier that day as part of his prerogative of mercy.
Despite these developments, questions arose about his whereabouts ahead of the handover ceremony.
Shuaibu, who confirmed his separation from Obaseki, clarified, “The governor and I have been apart. He does not communicate with me and we don’t talk. It is very unfortunate. I have not been seeing him at the government house in the last four days.
“Normally, if the governor is not there, the deputy governor will hand over. So whether he is there or not, I am ready to hand over.”
Shuaibu also reflected on his experience working with Obaseki, noting his loyalty despite challenges within the administration.
“I am back in APC… I left APC because of him, and I am back to APC because of him,” he said, adding that his loyalty allowed him to reconcile with his political mentor, Adams Oshiomhole.
Okpebholo’s election in the September 2024 governorship race marks the start of his tenure, making him the fifth governor of Edo State since the Fourth Republic began in 1999.