Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, has emphasized that he and Governor Godwin Obaseki are not in competition.
This occurred after the governor chose to cover the medical expenses for the players and officials of Sunshine Stars Football Club from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) who were attacked.
Armed robbers targeted the Sunshine Stars’ bus on the Ore-Benin Expressway as the team was en route to Benin for a scheduled NPFL match against Bendel Insurance.
During the attack, a ball boy was shot, and the players and other officials experienced significant trauma and disorientation.
Shaibu had personally visited the players, assuring them that he would cover their hospital bills.
However, Governor Obaseki also committed to the state government taking responsibility for the medical expenses of the injured players and officials
Reacting to Obaseki’s action, Shaibu stated that he would no longer be covering the medical bills for the players and officials.
A statement by Shaibu’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebomhiana Musa, on Sunday evening, said: “Our attention has been drawn to the fact that His Excellency, the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has directed that the medical bill of the injured Ball Boy and Kit Manager of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure be paid by Edo State government.
“Consequently, the state’s Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu has withdrawn his earlier promise to pay the medical bill.
“The office of Governor and Deputy Governor are one. We are not in any way in competition.”
Despite claims of reconciliation, Obaseki and Shaibu have continued to experience disagreements.
Amid the disagreement, Shaibu declared his intention to run for the position of governor, while Obaseki asserted that his destiny within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would be decided by its members.
Kanyi Daily recalls that In preparation for the 2024 Edo State governorship election, Philip Shaibu had officially declared his intention to compete for the Peoples Democratic Party ticket in the upcoming party primaries.
