By Abiola Olawale
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, has publicly downplayed any speculations of a future rift between himself and his principal, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.
Idahosa, who spoke with the press on Wednesday, described Okpebholo as his “brother”, saying there won’t be any rift between them.
The Deputy Governor said his only mission was to support Okpebholo in his dream of achieving a better Edo State.
He stated that they are both committed to putting the interests of the Edo people first rather than their interests.
In his words: “I’m saying this by the grace of God Almighty, that nobody should expect any misunderstanding between me and my principal.
“Because I am here to serve the good people of Edo State, not his interest.
“If there’s going to be a personal interest that will supersede the interest of the Edo people, then I don’t think I’m worthy to be in the seat.
“Our ultimate goal is to put the Edo people first.
“We are here for a purpose, just to develop the state and the people in terms of human capital development.
“So for me, the office of the Deputy Governor is to compliment the plans and visions of the governor.
“To support and ensure that most of our campaign promises are fulfilled.”
The New Diplomat reports that this is in an apparent reference to the estranged relationship between the immediate past governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki, and impeached deputy governor, Phillip Shaibu.
It would be recalled that in the latter days of Obaseki’s administration, Shaibu fell out of favour in the government of Edo state.
After months of the power tussle, the Edo State Assembly impeached Shaibu. The impeachment followed the adoption of the report of the seven-man investigative panel set up by the state’s Chief Judge to probe allegations of misconduct against Shaibu.
The retired Justice S. A. Omonuwa-led panel had accused Shaibu of allegedly leaking state government’s secrets in an affidavit he filed in support of his suit in Abuja.
