The ongoing feud between the Edo State Government and its reinstated Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has taken a new turn. At the center of this drama is a stern warning issued by Shaibu, urging government officials to guard against the looting of state properties by political appointees as the administration nears its end.
What They Are saying
In a statement on Friday, Shaibu directed Permanent Secretaries and heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that government assets remain intact during the transition. He stressed that they would be held accountable by the incoming administration for any missing government properties, emphasizing that political aides, including the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Commissioners, and Special Advisers, were also leaving office by November 11.
Shaibu’s warning comes across as a last-minute attempt to distance himself from the political appointees he’s worked with, subtly placing the blame for any missing assets squarely on the shoulders of Permanent Secretaries and MDA heads. His tone suggests a readiness to throw them under the bus, should anything go awry in the transition period.
“Permanent Secretaries and Directors must understand that protecting government properties is their responsibility,” Shaibu declared, making it clear that any failure to do so would lead to serious consequences for those responsible. He added that removing fixed items from government offices is not only a crime but also unacceptable, raising the stakes as the administration winds down.
However, it didn’t take long for this warning to be dismissed outright. Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser for Media Projects, fired back, calling Shaibu’s directive “infantile” and urging government workers to ignore the so-called warning. Osagie was quick to remind everyone that Shaibu remains impeached and therefore lacks any authority to issue such directives.
In his usual blunt style, Osagie stated, “We want to reiterate that Philip Shaibu remains impeached as the Deputy Governor of Edo State until the court says otherwise. He has no power to issue directives to anyone under the employ of the Edo State Government.” He also urged government workers to go about their duties without fear, labeling Shaibu’s statement as mere “ramblings” from a man clinging to relevance.
Why It Matters
It’s clear that the battle between Shaibu and the Edo State Government is far from over. With Shaibu’s authority hanging in the balance, this warning seems more like a desperate attempt to stay relevant in the political theater. His sudden concern for government assets appears suspicious, considering his previous silence on such matters. Is this an honest call for accountability or just another political stunt to gain favour in the court of public opinion?
For now, it seems the warning will fall on deaf ears, with Osagie and the government making sure that Shaibu’s message holds no weight. But as November 11 approaches, all eyes will be on the outgoing administration to see if any looting does take place, and if so, who will ultimately be held responsible.
Bottom Line
In the end, one can only wonder if Shaibu’s attempt to sound the alarm is about protecting state assets or protecting his political future. Either way, the drama in Edo continues.
