Edo State’s reinstated Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, on Monday, carried out inspections of ongoing projects in the state, including the multi-billion naira five-star Radisson Blu hotel, the Museum of West African Arts (MOWAA), and the reconstruction of roads in Okada Avenue and parts of Central Road.
Despite warnings from the state government, Shaibu affirmed he would continue his duties as deputy governor.
The Edo State government, however, issued a statement cautioning Shaibu against actions that could disrupt governance. The government emphasized the importance of adhering to the law and maintaining order.
During a press briefing at the MOWAA site, Shaibu noted that the project was 80 percent complete according to the contractor but expressed reservations about its location.
“Work is about 80 percent completed. It is fine but I have my reservation, this is supposed to be a Central Hospital for the people and not to build a museum here,” he remarked.
At the Radisson Blu site, he commented on the satisfactory scope of work and expressed his intent to ensure all major projects under the outgoing administration were progressing smoothly.
Shaibu addressed ongoing tensions with Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, stating, “We should not respond to people in exile who release press releases because we are here. Anybody who wants to release a press release should come here and not be in exile and start releasing press statements. We should ignore them.
“I have since resumed because the issue of reinstatement should be a thing of the past. I don’t think we should be talking about it. Judgment has been made. We should move forward. The issue is if I can work with Obaseki, can I work with him? I can work with him but he cannot work with me.
“The office of the Deputy Governor is not an office under Obaseki. It is an office created by the Constitution. Until you understand the difference between the office of the Governor and the Office of the Deputy Governor and the Constitutionality of the office.
“I am deputy governor and my role is clearly defined. I will be going around in the next two weeks starting with Edo South, after then Central and then North to check what we have done. A new sheriff is in town and we must hand over to him. That’s where we are. I am doing my work as deputy governor of Edo State.
“My own duty as deputy governor is to discharge my duties as deputy governor. I have come to inspect what is going on here at the museum. We went around and to other projects.
“Administratively, some issues have to be sorted out. There are administrative issues at Radisson Blu which have to be sorted out. It is work and work. In the next six weeks, we have to put things in proper perspective so that the next sheriff in town will know where we are. I am doing my work as deputy governor. I am on the ground and not in exile.”
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser on Media Projects to Governor Obaseki, Crusoe Osagie, responded by emphasizing Shaibu’s rights as a private citizen to tour state projects but warned against any illegal actions.
Osagie said “Shaibu, just like any private citizen, can take a tour around the exceptional projects of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“We warn, however, that both Philip Shaibu and the security agencies should not carry out actions that violate the laws and the constitution.
“Shaibu should be patient and wait for the Appeal Court to hear his matter; he needs to learn to subject himself to the authority of the law.”
The government urged Edo residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, assuring them that the state would maintain peace and protect lives and property in accordance with the law.