DURING the week, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) practically declared war on Governor Godwin Obaseki when it reported him to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). It pointedly called for the resignation of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu as part of a power-sharing agreement.
The PDP in Edo also called out some of the governor’s men, accusing them of trying to hijack the party through the back door. “Chief Osaro Idah, Chief Charles Idahosa, Chief Henry Tenebe, Senator Ehigie Uzamere and Mr Theo Okoh are the key culprits here. Edo State PDP will not be cowed into any illegalities by the state government,” the party stated.
What the party didn’t say is that the said power sharing arrangement was reached before the last governorship election in the state. Sentry gathered that Obaseki’s camp may have agreed to an arrangement that will see Shuaibu quitting the deputy governorship seat shortly after the election for a nominee of PDP leaders to replace him.
Party sources claim the whole face-off between the two camps is largely about the refusal of Obaseki and his men to abide by the said agreement. But some of the governor’s men are insisting that although there were talks in such direction during the electioneering process, there was no concrete agreement on the matter.
“Obaseki will never agree to sacrifice his deputy. We didn’t have such agreement,” the source said.
Many, within and outside the state, are watching the unfolding drama with bated breath.
The Nation