A pall of anxiety on Sunday descended on Benin, the Edo State capital as Deputy Governor of the State, Hon Philip Shaibu has dared to throw his hat in the ring for the 2024 governorship race.
Shaibu has scheduled his formal declaration for his interest in the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] for Monday, November 27, at Ethano Hotel at 8.00 am.
But in a swift counter move, Governor Obaseki and his strategists have reportedly moved to block the venue by fixing an event for the same venue at 7.30 am.
THE CONCLAVE reports that Obaseki had packaged a blind programme “FINISHING WELL” for the venue.
The political tension that the development has generated in the PDP is palpable, threatening to signal another round of renewed hostilities between Obaseki and Shaibu.
Obaseki declared that the governorship ticket of the PDP had been ceded to Edo Central and had gone ahead to micro zone it to his business partner, Mr Asue Ighodalo.
But Shaibu, who is from Edo North, insisted on taking a shot at the PDP ticket, arguing that he had the competence and political know how to moderate the tension always created by the intercourse of politics and governance.
He had warned against handing the ticket of the PDP to another technocrat from outside the state like Obaseki himself who was gifted the governorship seat by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
Invitations to Monday’s events by the governor and his deputy at the same venue about the same time have created tension in the state capital.
The commissioner for communication, Mr Chris Nehikhare, told an online newspaper, Green White Green (GWG) that he was not invited for the deputy governor’s event and that if he was invited, he would not attend.
Shaibu had sent out invitations to some prominent stakeholders under the aegis of the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation in a letter dated November 23 personally signed by him.
The letter, which was entitled “Special Invitation,” read, “On behalf of Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation, I invite you to honour me with your esteemed presence as I offer myself to serve as the Chief Servant (Governor) of Edo State.”
Mr Nehikhare articulated the government’s response to Shaibu’s scheduled declaration thus: “He is free to contest now that the timetable is out. All that the government had been saying before was that it was too early to heat up the polity.
:But now that the time table is out, he is free to contest, our government does not stifle the ambitions of anyone.”
Asked if Shaibu had invited the governor for the declaration, Nehikhare claimed ignorance but said he, (Commissioner) had not been invited.
“He has not invited me, but if he invites me, I will not attend.”
Meanwhile, reports that have just been received THE CONCLAVE indicated that the organiser of the programme: “Standing Firm: Obaseki Finishing Well Group’s Declaration” are kicking against Shaibu’s decision to use the same venue they has secured two weeks earlier for their event.
One of them, whose name was not disclosed, reportedly wrote in a WhatsApp message that is fast soreading thus: “I have become aware of a statement released by Philip Shuaibu’s campaign organization, indicating that he plans to declare his candidacy for Governor at ETHANO HOTEL tomorrow at 8 am, coinciding with the scheduled venue for my Obaseki Finishing Well Group meeting.
“Our agreement with the management of ETHANO HOTEL was secured two weeks prior to Philip Shuaibu’s campaign team’s reservation. It has come to our attention that Philip Shuaibu is pressuring the hotel to cancel our event in favor of his declaration.
“We want to make it clear to Philip Shuaibu and his campaign team that we refuse to be intimidated or oppressed. Our OFG meeting is set for 7:30 am, and we intend to continue our proceedings until 3 pm, after which Philip Shuaibu and his team may use the venue. I also want to convey to the hotel management that ETHANO HOTEL is esteemed as one of the finest hotels in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, known for its excellent security, cuisine, ample parking, and hospitality. We urge the management not to allow Philip Shuaibu and his team to tarnish the hotel’s reputation.
“OFG members will convene at 7:30 am tomorrow for our meeting, and we are resolute in our determination not to be obstructed by Philip Shuaibu. If Philip Shuaibu believes he can intimidate us with his wealth, tomorrow will prove otherwise.”
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