The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, to end their ongoing rift and embrace harmony.
TrackNews Media reports that the party expressed shock at the widespread circulation of confidential official government letters on various social media platforms.
Chief Dan Orbih, the National Vice Chairman (South) of the PDP and former Edo State party chairman issued this appeal in a statement from Abuja on Tuesday night.
The letter titled, ‘Do not de-market PDP in Edo State,’ reads:
He said, “I have observed with trepidation, the frosty relations between the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, and I am constrained to call on both parties to exercise restraint in what to say or do in the course of this ongoing needless and endless crisis.
“To my surprise, official letters, which should be confidential, are now dominating the social media space. I urge both parties to stop further hostilities and resolve their differences quietly in the interest of good governance and progress of the state. Anything less may affect the image and fortunes of the Party in the coming Guber election.
“Yes, we have had issues in the past between party and government, but we haven’t allowed them to be subject to newspaper editorials.
“The PDP is a strong brand in Edo State – a brand that has been nurtured over the years by the commitment of leaders and dedicated members of the party. This brand is now under serious threat by the current raging battle between the Governor and Deputy-Governor.
“I therefore seize this opportunity to call on both parties to ‘cease fire’ and resolve their differences amicably. God bless PDP. God bless Edo State.”
This intervention comes in the wake of the seemingly unending conflict between Governor Obaseki and Deputy Governor Shaibu. Shaibu had previously sought legal recourse at the Federal High Court in Abuja to prevent his impeachment by Obaseki, though he later withdrew the case following the intervention of key stakeholders.
Nevertheless, tensions resurfaced when Governor Obaseki relocated the Deputy Governor’s office, and Shaibu was denied access to his Government House office on Monday.
An official letter directing Shaibu to relocate from his government house office, dated September 15, 2023, came to light on social media. The letter was received by a Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s office and acknowledged on Monday, September 18, 2023.
