Edo State Government has provided clarification regarding an incident in which Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu was denied access to meet with Governor Godwin Obaseki by a Department of State Services (DSS) operative during a thanksgiving church service.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident occurred as part of the activities to mark the 32nd anniversary of the state’s creation at the New Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin.
According to Andrew Okungbowa, the governor’s chief press secretary, Obaseki was not aware of the security actions taken during the incident.
It was reported that Shaibu attempted to approach the governor and his wife during the service, but a security operative prevented his access.
This clarification comes amidst speculations and concerns about the relationship and dynamics within the Edo State Government. The incident, though brief, underscored the complexity of the interactions between officials and security personnel during public events.
“Whatever happened at the church service was not at the behest of the governor, nor was he aware of what the security aides were doing,” Okungbowa said.
“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.”
Speaking after the event, Shaibu said his loyalty to the governor remains unshakeable.
“The vow I have made with God is that I will continue to support Godwin Obaseki as the governor of Edo state from the beginning to the end,” he said.
“But that does not stop anything that has to do with ambition. Ambition is personal and it does not affect loyalty.”
