The Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, says he has been relying on friends and goodwill to survive following the tension between him and his principal Governor Godwin Obaseki.
He said the tension had affected the budgetary allocation to his office, as the office had not received allocation in the last six months.
Shaibu said this on Tuesday during the official launching of the Secretariat of the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council.
“when I came now, I discovered the generator was malfunctioning. I am sure that money (pledge) will fix some of your needs.
“Whatever I am doing is contributions from friends and my goodwill, and I am still standing very strong.
“I would have done more, but you know there is tension between the Governor and I. And for six months, no allocation to my office.
“And I will continue to be strong because for me, Edo should be one, Edo at every time should be paramount in our minds.”
Shaibu said he was determined to ensure good governance in Edo, adding “in all things I am doing, Edo must be first and I am determined to strengthening the institutions.”
“I came into politics because I feel that we should have an egalitarian society and make institutions strong because that is the only way we can have the society of our dream,” he noted.
Shaibu explained that when institutions are strong, they deal with those who think they are powerful, moderate their excesses, and help the weak in society.
“Institution does not know the rich, strong, and the poor, it takes care of all strata of life. That is what I stand for. That is my calling to joining politics,” he said.
Shaibu who said he would continue to identify with journalists for saving his life in the hands of the military, pledged to pay one-year rent of the secretariat.
Recall that there has been tension between Shaibu and his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki over his (Shaibu) ambition to succeed him in the forthcoming 2024 governorship election.
Also speaking at the event, the State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Festus Alekhen, said the council is behind the chapel, and made a cash donation of N100,000.
Earlier, Chairman of the Chapel, Mrs. Nefishetu Yakubu, said the decision to move to the new secretariat was fuelled by the need for a more spacious and serene environment.
