‘I’m sorry’ — Philip Shaibu begs Obaseki for forgiveness

Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo, has asked Godwin Obaseki, his principal, for forgiveness over “wrongdoings he may not be aware of”.

Over the past few weeks, Obaseki and Shaibu have been at loggerheads over issues relating to the alleged impeachment plot against the deputy governor.

In August, Obaseki accused Shaibu of attempting to overthrow him.

Earlier this month, Shaibu was prevented from gaining access to a state-organised event where the governor and other leaders of Edo state were present.

Subsequently, the office of the deputy governor was relocated to a building outside the government house.

But speaking with journalists on Thursday from his new office in Benin, the state capital, Shaibu said he has resumed work, noting that renovation is still ongoing.

“There is no conference room though, so we are working on a lot of things there,” he said.

“We have resumed, there is no problem about it. The governor has asked us to go there and we are going.”

Speaking about the frosty relationship between him and the governor, Shaibu said he remains loyal to his principal.

“Like I always say, I’m a loyal servant, there is nothing that has changed. I took a personal vow to support my governor,” he added.

He also asked the governor for forgiveness, adding that he is still committed to working together with Obaseki for the development of the state till the end of their tenure.

“I can only wish that that relationship that we have, I pray that in the next few days and weeks, it will come back,” he said.

“I’m really missing my governor but by the grace of God, I know God will touch the governor’s heart and touch all of our hearts even those that are trying to be between us, God will touch them to know that I mean well.

“If there is any mistake that I have made as human, it is just human and not out of wickedness because I’m not wicked.

“I have a very clean heart. I will use this medium to appeal to Mr. Governor, if there is anything that I don’t know that I have done, please forgive me, so that we can develop our state together.

“We have just one year to go. We have been the envy of the entire country. It is still possible.

“So Mr. Governor, if there is anything you feel I have done, please I’m sorry. I need us to work together, to finish well and strong, because that is my prayer for you.”