Is Shaibu too big to follow directives from his principal, the governor?

By Igbafe Alonge

While much raucous has been made from the drama by the Edo Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, over his alleged shutting out from office, a letter has emerged indicating that the deputy governor was, in fact, notified of the relocation of his office last week, specifically on Friday, September 15, 2023.

The letter, which surfaced on Monday, September 18, was addressed to the Deputy Governor and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. It notified Shaibu that his office accommodation has been relocated to a new office site on No. 7, Dennis Osadebe Avenue. Shaibu would not deny knowledge of this document.

It is, of course, within the right of the Governor to decide where the office of any officer of government should be. The deputy governor is not constitutionally entitled to a particular office accommodation in the state.

If there is memo stating that a new location has been designated as the Deputy Governor’s Office, if indeed he was respectful, he would have showed up for work at his new office.

In the light of the new revelation, one is forced to ask: Is Shaibu too big to follow directives from his principal, the governor?

Why then create a scene, claiming that he has not been informed of the notice to relocate to a new office?

It is clear that the Deputy Governor has no respect for constituted authority.

From the details of the letter that is now out in the public domain, it is obvious that Shaibu was obviously lying in pursuit of his inordinate ambition to succeed the governor, not minding what it would cost him.

The directive to relocate his office was a specific instruction from his principal, the governor and it behoves on the Deputy Governor to follow such an instruction as it is coming from his boss, the constitutionally elected governor of the State.

Does the drama and refusal to move to the new office not show total disregard for the authority of the governor?

It shameful that in defence of disgraceful conduct, Shaibu is resorting to lies.

Does the governor not have the right to administer the state and allocate resources to officials as is expedient in line with his mandate freely given by the people of Edo State?

Does the constitution give the deputy governor the right to disrespect his principal?

These are the questions begging for answers and which speak to the penchant of the deputy governor to disregard and disrespect the governor, all in an attempt to force the governor’s hand to accede to his desire for endorsement to succeed him in the forthcoming governorship election.

Alonge is chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akoko-Edo LGA