As the clock ticks down to the end of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration in Edo State, tensions are escalating between him and his reinstated deputy, Philip Shaibu. The conflict centers on accusations of looting public properties by political appointees.
With just 40 days remaining until Obaseki’s tenure concludes on November 11, 2024, Shaibu has issued a stern warning to government officials. His directive urges permanent secretaries and heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to guard against potential looting by political appointees before the transition of power to the governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
In a circular dated October 4, 2024, Shaibu made it clear that incoming officials would hold current permanent secretaries and directors accountable for any missing government assets.
“In a few weeks, our administration will end,” Shaibu stated in the circular. “I have issued a stern warning to Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to guard against the looting of government properties by political appointees.”
He emphasized the responsibility of these officials: “The Permanent Secretaries and Directors must know that it is their responsibility to protect the properties because these political aides are also leaving on November 11. The failure of Permanent Secretaries and heads of these MDAs to act means they will be held responsible for giving an account of their inventories.”
Shaibu warned, “Removing fixed items and government properties is a crime and unacceptable. Permanent Secretaries and Heads of MDAs should, therefore, guard against such criminality or face consequences.”
He added that all political appointees must refrain from such actions, which could lead to serious trouble.
However, the governor’s administration quickly responded to Shaibu’s warnings. Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media Projects, publicly urged permanent secretaries and heads of departments and agencies to disregard Shaibu’s circular.
Osagie stated, “Shaibu lacks the power and authority to issue directives or warnings to Permanent Secretaries. He remains impeached as the deputy governor of Edo State until the determination of the court.”
He described Shaibu’s warning as “ridiculous” and “infantile,” emphasizing that the impeached deputy governor’s remarks should not intimidate or harass Edo State workers.
“Our attention has been drawn to the very ridiculous statement purportedly signed by the impeached deputy governor,” Osagie continued. “We urge all Edo workers to disregard the infantile ramblings of the impeached deputy governor and continue with their lawful duties without fear.”
The conflict between Obaseki and Shaibu has been ongoing, stemming from political disagreements and personal tensions. Earlier this year, Shaibu faced impeachment by the Edo House of Assembly on charges of misconduct.
However, a federal high court nullified the impeachment, declaring it illegal and politically motivated. Shaibu was reinstated, but the ongoing tension between him and Obaseki has cast a shadow over the administration as it nears its conclusion.
The imminent transition of power adds urgency to the situation, with both parties seemingly at odds over the state’s governance in the final weeks.
