The embattled Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has begged his principal, Governor Godwin Obakeki, for forgiveness over their political differences.
Shaibu, who disclosed this in an interview with journalists in his Benin City residence on Thursday, asked Governor Obaseki to forgive and forget.
The Deputy Governor sought forgiveness from Governor Obaseki for any unintentional mistakes he may have committed while fulfilling his responsibilities.
He said the plea became necessary to ensure that the present administration finishes well in the state.
He said, “I have always said that I am a loyal servant and nothing has changed. I took a vow to support my governor and as you can see the Catholic people are here.
“Everything about me is that if I have a vow with God, there is nothing that can change it. I can only wish that the relationship that we have had before, I prayed and know that in the next few weeks it will come back.
“I am missing my governor and I prayed that God will touch my governor’s and all our hearts and even those that are trying to be in between us, God would touch their hearts to know that I mean well.
“If there is any mistake I have made as a human, it is just human and not an act of wickedness because I am not wicked and I have a clean heart.
“I used this medium to appeal to Mr. Governor that if there is any mistake I have made or if there is anything that I have done that I don’t know of, he should please forgive me so that we can develop our state together,” the Deputy Governor said.
Shaibu said the administration had just one year to go, and that they had been the envy of the entire country because they saw their relationship as impossible.
He added, “Mr. Governor if there is anything you feel I have done please I am sorry, and I need us to work together to finish well and strong because that is my prayer for you,” he added.
Shaibu said he had obeyed the governor’s directive to relocate to his new office, adding that he would gladly carry out any responsibility given to him by his principal.
When The Point contacted a top Edo State government official on Thursday night if Governor Obaseki would accept the plea for forgiveness by his deputy, he said the development had not been communicated officially to the Governor.
“For now, that is not possible because he (Governor) hasn’t been officially communicated. You know the way these things go, but I am sure a political solution will prevail,” he said.
