Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu has strongly condemned the attempt to ridicule the Office of Deputy Governor, saying that it is not about Philip Shaibu, but about the office that must be preserved and respected.
Shaibu who spoke extempo during this year’s Auchi Day Celebration at the Palace of the Otaru of Auchi, narrated how the State Government Liaison Officer in Abuja, Deacon Festus Osaigbovo, denied him official vehicles from Abuja to Auchi, giving all sorts of excuses and citing directives from above.
The traditional rulers and other guests who were shocked, listened attentively as Shaibu narrated his ordeal at the hands of the Liaison Officer.
According to the Deputy Governor, “I called the Liaison Officer to provide vehicles to take me to Auchi to be part of this year’s edition of the Auchi Day Celebration. Unfortunately, he started giving me all sorts of excuses as to why he could not provide the vehicles.
“He talked about fuel, the non-availability of a Hilux for my security, and ended up saying he can only assist me to hire an SUV to take me to Auchi, the cost at which he put at N250,000.”
“However, I managed to be in Auchi because I was determined to be part of this celebration. It is a sad commentary because as a government, we should imbibe the spirit of respecting the institution rather than trying to ridicule them.”
“We are here today as government officials, we may not be here tomorrow but the institution remains for generations yet unborn.”
At the end of this sad commentary, Shaibu pleaded with the royal fathers and the guests to support his aspiration to be the next Governor of Edo State, reeling out a catalogue of flagship programmes he intends to execute if elected.
He specifically assured the traditional rulers of a pride of place in his government.