Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has apologized to his mentor and former governor of the State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole over his choice of language when they had their political differences.
He insisted that his ambition to succeed his principal, Godwin Obaseki as the next governor is borne out of a conviction to serve the State and take governance back to the people.
Shaibu made the remarks while speaking live on a private broadcast television station in Lagos, where he said one of the reasons he has not joined issues with his boss despite the frosty relationship between them is to avoid the use of language that may become his albatross when he eventually wins the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“I want to be the next governor of Edo State not because l am Philip Shaibu, it is my constitutional right. Before publicly declaring my interest to contest, l had consulted widely with many persons and groups within and outside Edo State. Moreover, l went into prayers to seek guidance and direction from God. The signs l received encouraged me to go ahead with my aspiration, though it was obvious the Governor had his own plans of supporting another person.
“If my party wants to win the election in Edo State, give it to Philip Shaibu but if they want to lose, they should give it to someone else; not because I am a super star but because I have the content, I have the quality, I have the experience.
“People have asked me if I had regrets about my confrontation with Oshiomhole because the governor I supported is now fighting me, and I said no. The only thing, I have apologised and I am still apologising to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for the language I used, and that is why I said I don’t want to repeat the same mistake. I regret the language I used but in terms of the principle to support Obaseki, if I still have the opportunity I will support Obaseki because at that time, that was the right thing to do. It is the language used, and I apologise again to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on the language used.
The Deputy Governor, however, reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Obaseki, asserting that in spite of ongoing altercations and deprivation of his constitutional rights, he is committed to supporting the governor and the government to end well and finish strong.
“I have overtime been deprived of my constitutional rights as Deputy Governor. This has not in any way affected my loyalty to the Governor. I have had to make lots of personal sacrifices to ensure a good relationship and deliver on our promise to Edo people. Sometimes, one has to play the fool for a relationship to survive”.