Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, is back in the spotlight, singing praises of Governor Monday Okpebholo. According to Shaibu, the governor’s programmes and appointments will “definitely benefit the people of Edo State.” If this sounds familiar, it’s probably because Shaibu once said the same words about his former ally-turned-rival, former Governor Godwin Obaseki, before their infamous fallout.
Shaibu made these remarks during a thanksgiving service to celebrate his 55th birthday at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Benin. The event, attended by an impressive lineup of politicians, including Bayelsa’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhurdjakpo, and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, was as much about politics as it was about prayers.
In his speech, Shaibu, now a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, commended Governor Okpebholo for hitting the ground running. He highlighted the governor’s immediate appointments and the flag-off of a flyover project as signs of a promising start. “The programmes and appointments made by Governor Monday Okpebholo will definitely benefit the people of Edo State. My prayer is that he gets the necessary funds to deliver the dividends of democracy,” Shaibu declared.
Shaibu’s optimism isn’t new. He’s been down this road before, cheering loudly for a leader only to end up on the opposite side of the political wall. The question is, how long will this newfound cheer with Okpebholo last before cracks begin to show? Just like his outing with Obaseki.
Shaibu didn’t stop at commendations. He went spiritual, urging Edo citizens to pray for the governor’s wisdom. “The way he can succeed is for us to provide both physical and spiritual support. Leaders must be prayed for at all times to avoid mistakes. We should pray for Senator Monday Okpebholo so he can deliver on all the promises he has made,” he said. Funny thing, I wonder if Shaibu is subtly reminding us of the prayers that failed to keep his relationship with Obaseki intact.
Shaibu’s remarks come at a time when Edo State is watching Governor Okpebholo closely. The people are eager to see if his promises will translate into action or if his tenure will follow the all-too-familiar script of plenty promises and disappointing outcomes.
