Edo State’s Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has disclosed that financial allocations to his office have been halted for the past six months, due to his strained political relationship with Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Shaibu made this known during the inauguration of the Correspondent Office in Benin on Tuesday.
He said he had been sustaining his office’s operations solely through contributions from friends and goodwill.
He said, “You know there is tension between the governor and me. And for six months, there has been no allocation to my office. So, whatever I am doing is contributions from friends and my goodwill; and I am still standing very strong.
“I am your ambassador anywhere I am. This is not because of politics, but because of what you have done to save my life in the course of doing your work.
”I wouldn’t have been deputy governor today if I am not alive. A journalist who did an investigation and wrote a report saved my life in the hands of the of the military.
“So, you can see the reason why I come anytime you invite me; even if it is difficult, I must show up because that is the only way I can appreciate and encourage you.”
Beyond personal tribulations, Shaibu reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring good governance in Edo State, focusing on fortifying institutions to promote an egalitarian society.
He emphasized the need to address influential figures’ excesses and champion the causes of the less privileged through robust institutional mechanisms.
