A new twist emerges in the ongoing feud between Governor Godwin Obaseki and Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu over the latter’s 2024 political ambitions.
The 2024 budget reveals a significant cut in the allocation to the deputy governor’s office, dropping from about N1.5 billion in 2023 to N345 million.
Governor Obaseki signed the budget into law, allocating N19 billion to the Office of the State Governor, N8 billion to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, and N968 million to the Office of the Head of Service.
Last week, Deputy Governor Shaibu unveiled the Correspondent Secretariat in Benin, expressing concern about the lack of allocation to his office for the past six months. He disclosed that his activities relied on contributions from friends and goodwill.
Sources within the House of Assembly suggest that the deputy governor’s office budget reduction is linked to his intention to contest the 2024 governorship election. Despite opposition from lawmakers loyal to Shaibu, the budget passed as presented by the governor.
Commissioner of Education, Chris Nehikhare, responded on behalf of the governor, stating that the allocation to the deputy governor’s office is task-dependent. He emphasized that the budget size is determined by the assignments given to the deputy governor by the governor.
In Abuja, Shaibu addressed journalists, asserting that competence should not be sacrificed for rotation in governance. He predicted Governor Obaseki would declare his support for him once he becomes the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Regarding the strained relationship with the governor, Shaibu affirmed his loyalty, even in the face of harassment and intimidation. Meanwhile, Dr. Loretta Ogboro-Okor, a Labour Party’s gubernatorial aspirant, aims to make history as Nigeria’s first elected female governor. She challenges conventional expectations, emphasizing the growing sisterhood in Edo State and the desire for something new and fresh among the people.
