Edo State Government and Philip Shaibu Clash Over Alleged Looting of Public Properties

 

As Governor Godwin Obaseki's administration approaches its end, tensions have escalated between the state government and reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu over accusations of political appointees looting public property. With less than 40 days left before Obaseki's term concludes, both sides are at odds following a circular issued by Shaibu, warning government officials to safeguard public assets.

The circular, dated October 4, 2024, and signed by Shaibu, urged Permanent Secretaries and heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prevent political appointees from taking government property. Shaibu stressed that these officials would be held accountable by the incoming administration for any missing assets.

"As our administration ends in a few weeks, I have issued a stern warning to Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to guard against the looting of government properties by political appointees, as they will be held responsible by the incoming administration for any missing assets," Shaibu stated.

He highlighted that it is the duty of these officials to ensure the safety of government properties, adding that any removal of assets would be considered a criminal offense.

However, Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media Projects, dismissed Shaibu's warning, arguing that the deputy governor lacks the authority to issue such directives. Osagie stated that Shaibu remains impeached until the court rules otherwise, and therefore cannot instruct government officials.

"Philip Shaibu remains impeached as the deputy governor of Edo State until the court decides otherwise, and thus has no power to issue directives to Permanent Secretaries or Heads of MDAs," Osagie remarked. He further urged government workers to ignore Shaibu’s statement and continue their duties without fear of intimidation.

Governor Obaseki’s administration is set to conclude on November 12, 2024, with Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) preparing to take over as the new governor of Edo State.