Obaseki to Shaibu: Go and sin no more 

 

In a significant turn of events, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has extended his magnanimity by embracing the public apology tendered by his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu. This development underscores the governor’s unwavering commitment to forgiveness, rooted deeply in his faith.

Governor Obaseki conveyed his acceptance of the apology in a heartfelt response to a letter titled “Re: Public Apology By The Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.”

 

He acknowledged the importance of this reconciliation, hoping it marks the beginning of a genuine effort by Shaibu to enhance his conflict resolution skills.

“I have taken note of the public apology issued by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu. This apology comes in the wake of actions that deviated from the values held dear by the people of Edo State.

“Some of these actions included unfounded legal petitions aimed at restraining me, the State House of Assembly, and security agencies from a non-existent impeachment process. Additionally, there were repeated breaches of protocol and unwarranted attacks on my character and the State Government in the media.

“The media coverage resulting from these events created an unsettling impression of turmoil, which was deeply disheartening to the citizens of Edo State and those beyond its borders.

“Despite the personal discomfort caused by these unnecessary provocations, I am obliged, as a person of faith, to accept this apology. As the saying goes, ‘to err is human, to forgive is divine.’

“I genuinely believe that the Deputy Governor’s public apology is sincere and that it will be followed by concerted efforts to enhance his conflict resolution skills.

“I also urge the Deputy Governor to ensure that his representatives conduct themselves in a manner consistent with his newfound conciliatory approach.

“It is my sincere hope, shared by my colleagues in government and the good people of Edo State, that these past grievances will be put to rest promptly. This will enable our administration to conclude its term with vigor and deliver the fruits of democracy to the majority of Edo people during this final twelve-month period,” Obaseki stated.

Notably, Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, have been engaged in political discord over Shaibu’s ambition to succeed the governor as the candidate in the upcoming election.

Last week, however, the deputy governor sought forgiveness from his superior over their political differences. A week later, Governor Obaseki, in a personally signed statement, characterized the petitions signed by his deputy to restrain him and security agencies from initiating impeachment proceedings as unwarranted provocations. He reiterated his trust in the authenticity of Shaibu’s public apology and his hope that it would be accompanied by constructive steps to improve conflict resolution skills.