Politics

Edo 2024: Obaseki Breaks Silence On Alleged Plot To Impeach Deputy Governor

Published

2 years ago

August 7, 2023

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Monday, stated that there is no plan to impeach his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu.

The governor, however, noted that the move by Shaibu seeking a court order to stop his purported impeachment is preemptive ahead of his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is as leaders of Edo North Senatorial District, the senatorial zone of the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, distanced themselves from his governorship ambition, warning the deputy governor against fueling the crisis in the State.

The governor, while briefing journalists in Benin City during a visit by the Edo North leaders, said the deputy governor has been actively engaging with senior actors both at the national and state level of the APC, negotiating his way into their party, adding that he is at the verge of finalizing moves to defect to the APC.

He said, “Let me put it on record that I am not aware of any plot or any scheme to impeach the Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu. I have also checked and there was no such plan.

“So, the Court action taken, for me, is a thing of shock and disappointment. I am trying to reflect on the move made by somebody that I have given a broad latitude to do his work as deputy governor. So, for him to take this kind of action is shocking.”

He noted, “It’s clear what has happened in the last few weeks. It is a preemptive move for him to conclude what he has started.

” Those of you from Akoko-Edo can recall that when we were discussing the issue of your local government chairman and that of Owan, there was a lot of resistance from you on the candidates he wanted to impose on you.

“I listened to your entreaties and thought that what you were recommending was fair. How can he be recommending the son of an APC leader in that local government? You resisted and I saw reason and acceded to your request.

“The next day, I saw on social media that he was in Abuja robbing minds with the opposition party. I have heard for months now that he has been in closed consultation with friends from another party because he was not sure that you, the leaders of PDP, will give him the ticket as governor in 2024.”

The governor noted, “I must State here that Philip Shaibu has never had the courtesy to discuss his ambition with me. The last time we spoke of my successor after the House of Assembly election, I did say that we should be patient and that our task is to try and finish well and conclude all our projects we started. It’s only when we do this right that we will have the support of the people for my successor.

“I believe that this action by him is a preemptive move to get a court order, keep his ticket and move to another party. I think it’s unfair for our party. We don’t need this sort of crisis. I have been getting calls all over the world and it’s rather sad that somebody who is part of an administration will do this to the administration because of his personal ambition.”

He further stated, “I am not angry but naturally I should be disappointed. I understand what is going on. I thank you for your solidarity. We should not be distracted but consolidate and unite our party and bring all on board.

“As we start our local government campaigns tomorrow, I urge you to join me so that we can build a PDP that will continue to dominate the politics of Edo State as we must finish well so our people will continue to give us the mandate. Edo will continue to be great as our collective efforts will drive our future as no one man can be bigger than all of us.”

Leader of the group and former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Alhaji Kabiru Ajoto said, “We are here to amplify the voice of the majority of the people from the six local government areas in Edo North as we have all taken our position to stand with the Governor of Edo State in the ongoing crisis which is really uncalled for.

“What is happening now is really unfortunate as the people of Edo North have met severally over a week thinking of what to do over the face-off between Governor Obaseki and Shaibu. We sent a powerful delegation to the deputy Governor to make peace with his boss but were surprised that he turned it down. We reached out to him but he turned the offer for peace down.

“Taking the governor to Court is most unfortunate and we can’t keep quiet but to speak out over the development. The Deputy Governor decided not to work closely with Mr. Governor because of personal ambition to become governor of Edo State.”

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Politics

Any Politician Promising Single Term Needs Psychiatric Test – Soludo

Published

11 hours ago

August 2, 2025

Editor

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has slammed politicians promising to serve only one term in office.

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria said any politician pledging to serve only one term in office needs to undergo a psychiatric test.

Soludo stated this on Saturday during a political rally held in Anambra South in support of his second-term ambition.

The governor questioned the logic behind such a promise, insisting that the Nigerian Constitution allows elected public officials to serve two terms, not just one.

“How can anybody with a functioning brain say that? Do you think you’re speaking to fools?

“You come to people and say you will do only one term, any politician who says that must be sent to a psychiatric home because the person must have some mental problem,” Soludo said.

This is coming a month after Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State called for a single-term tenure of six years.

Also, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said he is willing to accept a one-term presidency in the spirit of equity and zoning.

He stated this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on Sunday, July 6.

The former Governor of Anambra State said four years is enough for any serious and sincere leader to make an impact.

He said, “One term is enough to establish that good governance is possible, and if they can impact negatively on us for just two years, why won’t someone achieve a lot in four years?

“It’s also to respect the gentleman’s agreement of zoning, which has been a stabilising factor even though it’s not in our constitution.

“I don’t need a day more than four years. I will show the direction of good governance. In two years, there has been maximum damage.

“Two years can change it in a good direction. People want to get up and see a president who cares and shows compassion.”

Politics

PDP Has Been Bought By APC – Dino Melaye

Published

1 day ago

August 1, 2025

Editor

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has claimed that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been “purchased” by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Melaye made the allegation while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday night, a day after submitting his resignation letter to PDP.

According to him, the opposition party receives dates for its National Executive Committee, NEC, meetings directly from the Presidential Villa.

“PDP has been purchased by the APC. The PDP is a parastatal of the APC. In fact, they take dates for NEC meetings and NWC from Aso Villa. Look at these PDP governors, are they acting as opposition? And you know how powerful governors are,” Melaye said

Politics

Drama As Ebonyi Politician Declares Self ADC National VC South-East

Published

1 day ago

August 1, 2025

Editor

The National Convener of Turn By Turn Initiatives, Ben Nworie has declared himself the Interim National Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC South East zone.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, Nworie noted that the south east zone needs a vocal and vibrant politician who would advance the fortunes of the coalition movement in the zone.

Also, an Abia born media expert, Obinna George, emerged as the South East zonal Publicity Secretary of the ADC.

Mr Obinna George is expected to deploy his media expertise in propagating the activities of ADC in the zone.

Nworie said his decision to become the Interim National Vice chairman was to galvanise support of the people of the zone to join the political revolution for a prosperous nat

According to him; “my burning desire to become the Interim National Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Party, South east zone is to galvanise. Supports for our great party in the zone. ADC is not just a coalition but a political revolution that will end the decade of misrule by the present government”.

“ADC stands a better opportunity to rescue Nigeria from the present economic hardship and forge a common front towards advancing the future of a new Nigeria. Let me state categorically that coalition brought the present government to power and the same coalition will sack it out of power’.

“I want to urge the people of south east to embrace ADC as the only veritable platform that will address decades of marginalization, depression and neglect. It is time for us to speak in one voice and support the movement. It is time for the South east zone to stand up to be counted as the movers and shakers of the coalition”.

“As the National Vice Chairman of ADC, I accept the responsibilty to lead our dear party in the zone and I want to declare that our coalition is open to every Nigerian who is passionate to change the old order into a new order, where all the critical sectors will be functional”.

“I commend our Interim National Chairman of ADC, Senator David Mark; Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and indeed all other national leaders who are sacrificing a lot to ensure that Nigeria is liberated from the shackles of poverty, which has become our fair share of national cake”.

“I want to thank all our members across the five states of the south east for your resilience, deep commitment and sacrifices in promoting and galvanising support for our party”.

The National Vice Chairman further appealed to all aggrieved members of the party to withdraw all litigations for the over all interest of the Nigerian People whose only hope for a better nation is rested on ADC.