National
I accepted to be Obaseki’s deputy after a month persuasion -Shaibu
By Peters Monday, Abuja
The embattled deputy governor of Edo state, Philip Shaibu while expressing regret said he was begged to accept the position of a running mate to his principal Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Shaibu who spoke during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme on Wednesday, January 10, also asserted that he felt betrayed by Obaseki, for not backing his anointed aspirant in the upcoming 2024 governorship election.
It was gathered that deputy governor had a running battle with the governor following his interest to contest for the forthcoming 2024 governorship election in the state.
Shaibu, added that he was drafted in to add political value to Obaseki, who then contested as governor.
The deputy governor said it took almost one month for the party to persuade him to accept the position of deputy governor.
“Actually, I was persuaded and there was no protest. I 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 to accept to be the deputy governor of Edo State.
“I accepted 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 who had won the election before and who could add political value to the ticket.
“I feel betrayed by the governor. I feel much betrayed. When we go to church, there are certain biblical verses that are becoming to make meaning 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.
“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% 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”, he said.