R
Rachel Okporu Fadoju
Guest
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu, has expressed readiness to hand over power to the newly elected governor and deputy governor, irrespective of the presence of the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki.
Naija News reports that Shuaibu’s statement comes in response to rumours suggesting that Obaseki reportedly fled the state a few days before the end of his administration.
Recall that the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, won the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Shaibu expressed happiness about handing over to the new governor, Monday Okpebholo, and his deputy.
He said, “I am deeply happy that today has come, and I am going to be handing over to a new deputy governor. Normally, if the governor is not there, the deputy governor will hand over. So whether he is there or not, I am ready to hand over”.
‘I’ve Not Seen Him In The Past Four Days’
Meanwhile, Philip Shaibu has revealed his position regarding the allegation that Governor Godwin Obaseki has fled the state ahead of his handing over to a new Governor.
Naija News reports that the tenure of Obaseki as the Edo State Governor officially ended on Monday, 11th November, and he is set to hand over on Tuesday (today) to Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who won the 2024 governorship election in the state.
However, there have been rumours that Obaseki has fled and gone into hiding in order to escape arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), an allegation denied by his team.
Sharing his view on the purported disappearance, Shaibu told Channels Television on Tuesday that he is unaware of Obaseki’s whereabouts.
He added that he and the outgoing Governor are not on talking terms, and it’s been up to four days since he saw him anywhere near the Government House in Edo.
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