Our attention has been drawn to a fallacious report by one Patrick Eholor, a.k.a Ultimate Equal, to the effect that a petrol station on Airport Road, Benin City, belonging to Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has been sealed by the Petroleum Monitoring Task Force.
The same character has been peddling rumours that the Deputy Governor owns several petrol stations in Benin City. To say the least, this reckless and unfounded claim is malicious, and capable of inciting the public against the person and office of the Edo State Deputy Governor, especially at this time of fuel price deregulation.
We do not dignify rumour peddlers with responses, as it is not in our character to react to fabricated stories like the one being bandied around by Eholor.
However, it is expedient to set the records straight in the interest of discerning members of the public, so that they are not misinformed by misguided elements like Eholor.
For the records, neither the Deputy Governor nor any member of his family owns any petrol station on Airport Road in Benin City.
We will also like to debunk the insinuation by Eholor that the Governor and his Deputy are not on good terms. This is another lie being spewed from the infertile mind of Eholor, out of his imagination.
Without mincing words, we want to say clearly that the relationship between Mr Governor and his Deputy is very cordial and robust. Indeed, they relate with each other like brothers and not based on Governor/Deputy in running the affairs of Edo State.
Arising from the foregoing, members of the public are enjoined to disregard the lies being spun by Eholor.
Rather, we plead that they sympathise with him as an idle and evil-minded old man seeking cheap public attention. This misguided adventure on his part is nothing but a deliberate attempt to smear the person and integrity of the Deputy Governor which we view with all seriousness.