The simmering crisis between Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and Deputy Philip Shaibu escalates as DSS denies Shaibu access to Obaseki during a church service at the 32nd anniversary of Edo State’s creation.
Chief Press Secretary clarifies the incident.
In an unexpected turn of events on Sunday, August 27, the ongoing tension between Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, reached a new level as the Department of State Services (DSS) denied Shaibu access to the governor during a church service at the New Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin. The incident occurred while attendees gathered to mark the 32nd anniversary of the creation of Edo State.
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As the church service progressed, Philip Shaibu, who was among the guests, rose from his seat to approach Governor Obaseki for a greeting. However, his attempt was thwarted by a vigilant DSS operative who blocked his path mere meters away from the governor. Obaseki, seated next to his wife, Betsy, and Charles Aniagwu, a Commissioner of Delta State, reportedly averted his gaze as Shaibu engaged in an unsuccessful attempt to converse with the security officer.
The deputy governor eventually returned to his seat, leaving a lingering sense of unease among the attendees. In response to the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Andrew Okungbowa, shed light on the matter, asserting that the DSS operative was merely performing his duty.
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According to Okungbowa, “Whatever happened at the church service was not at the behest of the governor, neither was he aware of what the security aides were doing. In fact, the security aides were doing their job. Besides, the governor was not aware that the deputy was coming to greet him. The church is a public event, so the security aides had a duty to safeguard their principal.”
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The incident highlights the underlying tension between Governor Obaseki and his deputy, which has been brewing for some time. This latest encounter between the two senior officials raises questions about the nature of their relationship and the dynamics within the Edo State government. As speculation and curiosity mount, observers await further developments that could shed light on the root causes of this political rift.
