By Ogochukwu Isioma
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Philip Shaibu may have finally set aside their political differences as the duo reunited at a public event in the state amid the ongoing rift between the two political helmsmen.
This was on Friday at the Holy Family Catholic church, Agenebode, in Etsako East Local Government Area of the state, during the funeral mass for late Mrs Monica Alimikhena, wife of Senator Francis Alimikhena.
In a trending video seen by this Reporter, Governor Obaseki could be seen making his way to the aisle of the hall where his deputy was seated and shook his hand after the presiding priest asked that all should offer each other a sign of peace during the funeral mass.
The sign of peace is a liturgical action that is a spontaneous greeting as a reciprocal token of neighborly love. Following the Lord’s Prayer at Mass, the priest extends a greeting of peace to the congregation adding that all should offer each other such a sign to show that they are at peace.
Meanwhile, it was also observed that Governor Obaseki equally shook the hands of the Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs. Maryam Shaibu, who was seated just next to her husband in church.
METROWATCHXTRA.COM reports that Friday’s event is the first time the governor and his deputy have been seen exchanging pleasantries publicly since their political differences over the latter’s succession plan in the 2024 Edo governorship election.
In July, the Deputy Governor approached a Federal High Court in Abuja with a suit to prevent an alleged impeachment plot by the Governor, the Edo State House of Assembly and the State Chief Judge.
However, Governor Obaseki denied the alleged impeachment plot and accused Shaibu of attempting to overthrow him from office.
After the accusation, the deputy governor was restrained by the governor’s security aides from getting close to Obaseki at a Church service to commemorate Edo 32nd year anniversary.
Subsequently, the office of the deputy governor was relocated to a building outside the government house after Shaibu’s media crew was disbanded by the governor following another incident at a state function where the deputy governor staged a walk out in protest after his media crew were denied access to the hall.
Addressing journalists recently in Benin City, Shaibu begged the governor for forgiveness, adding that he was committed to working with Obaseki for the development of the state.
On Thursday, Governor Obaseki accepted the public apology made by his deputy, Philip Shaibu, noting that as a person of faith, he was under obligation to accept the apology.
In a letter titled, “Re: Public Apology By The Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu,” the governor said in good faith, he trusts that the public apology as expressed by Shaibu is genuine and followed by contrite steps to improve his conflict resolution skills.
