With just over a month remaining before Governor Godwin Obaseki’s tenure concludes, tensions have risen between the Edo State government and reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu over accusations of looting public property by political appointees.
The disagreement stems from a circular issued by Shaibu on October 4, 2024, in which he urged permanent secretaries, departments, and agencies to safeguard government assets.
The circular, personally signed by Shaibu, warned that any missing assets would be accounted for by the incoming administration, holding the officials responsible.
However, Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media Projects, responded by dismissing the circular, instructing officials to disregard it.
Osagie argued that Shaibu, who remains impeached pending a court ruling, lacks the authority to issue such directives. He emphasized that until the court decides, Shaibu has no legitimate power to instruct permanent secretaries or any other officials.
Governor Obaseki’s administration is set to end on November 12, 2024, adding further pressure to the ongoing conflict as the state prepares for a leadership transition.
