Edo State politics Politics of Betrayal
Mr. Philip Shaibu was denied entrance by the secret police at an event during the weekend. Mr. Godwin Obaseki, his principal and boss was also at the event. There is a rift between the two men and such has continually defined Edo State politics. It’s full of betrayal, desperation, unhealthy rivalry and vengeance.
The political rift between the governor and his deputy should be the least expected. They were both together through thick and thin. They rowed the storm together and they appeared to be inseparable. However, there is no love lost between the two men right now. They are like cat and rat.
Mr. Philip Shaibu has interest in taking over from his boss, Obaseki. But the governor is not considering his lieutenant as his successor. The ambitious deputy thinks he can do without the governor, hence, he deploys some other means and looks forward to using another platform other than the PDP. It’s not unusual in Edo State politics. When a platform isn’t available to use, the other will be tapped.
In 2020 the Edo State politics became far more interesting when the then APC national chairman Adams Oshiomhole insisted that Obaseki wouldn’t run for the second term on the APC platform. It started on a less serious note only to aggravate to the extent that Obaseki left the party and the ex governor Oshiomhole lost his job at the national headquarters of the APC.
Obaseki wouldn’t just leave like that. He ensured that the ex chairman was sacked from within Edo State. That’s vengeance, a unique feature of Edo State politics. Luckily enough for the governor, the PDP welcomed him and gave him its ticket on a platter of gold. He went on to win his reelection with ease. The bitterness is still running in him despite his victory.
It would be recalled that it’s the same Oshiomhole that brought Obaseki to limelight politically. He singlehandedly anointed the incumbent perhaps with a view of making him his stooge while in power. Few years to his administration, Obaseki turned his back t his “godfather” Oshiomhole. The latter waited for the next gubernatorial election (in 2021).
The main actors in Edo State politics know one another. They have played into one another’s hands. Hence, they betray, stab in the back and revenge. Mr. Philip Shaibu has seen the direction his boss is toeing. He has taken some steps to sabotage the boss. The governor, while talking to his party loyalists, accused Shaibu of conniving with the APC lawmakers in Edo State House of Assembly to produce a speaker.
The deputy had not denied the accusation. Mr. Obaseki also said that Shaibu has gone to lobby for the ticket of the party in Abuja without his consent. He highlighted some other clandestine moves of the ambitious deputy governor. All of them show a level of betrayal, which is identifiable with Edo State politics.
When both Adams Oshiomhole and Godwin Obaseki were at loggerheads, the ex national chairman of the APC embraced Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a former political foe. Philip Shuaibu thought that he could go back to the same man he derided some years back. Oshiomhole said that the APC isn’t a refugee camp.
Oshiomhole, who now represents Edo North in the Senate, said, “I hear someone is trying to run to the APC. Let me say this, the APC is not a rehabilitation centre for failed politicians.”
“I hear someone is trying to run to the APC. Let me say this, the APC is not a rehabilitation centre for failed politicians.” In fact running from one party to the other (as it happens in other states) is common in Edo State politics.
“Those of us in APC are satisfied the way we are; we are happy to be in opposition. I want to say we are not about to receive people who are coming because they have lost out. I want to say no to IDP in the APC,” he added.
The ex Edo State governor added, “My advice is, those who are having challenges should learn how to respect their bosses. I also advise people that anybody you work with, be loyal.”
Loyalty isn’t a given in Edo State politics. Backbiting, backstabbing, sheer betrayal, vengeance are pervasive in the politics. Of course, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole knows or suspects Shaibu is not loyal.
“Many of you will attest to the fact that my deputy was interested in succeeding me when I was the governor, but I didn’t support him and he didn’t take me to court. And if there are people whose sole aim is to profit from crisis, such persons cannot get my support.”
Mr. Shaibu has dragged the governor to court on the suspicion that he would be impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly working on the directive of the governor.
Lastly, worthy of note is the fact that despite the peculiarity of the Edo State politics, there is a room for rapprochement. The politicians will find a way to settle rift and reach truce only for them to have issues later.
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