Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has gracefully accepted the public apology extended by his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu.
The governor, guided by his faith, considered it his duty to embrace this gesture of reconciliation.
In a letter titled, “Re: Public Apology By The Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu,” Governor Obaseki acknowledged the apology and expressed his hope that it was a sincere indication of remorse. He mentioned that the deputy governor’s previous actions had been at odds with the values cherished by the people of Edo State.
Governor Obaseki pointed out that Comrade Philip Shaibu had filed baseless petitions in the Nigerian courts, restraining the governor, the State House of Assembly, and security agencies from a non-existent impeachment process. Additionally, there were instances of protocol breaches and unwarranted attacks on the governor and the state government through media outlets.
Despite the discomfort caused by these provocations, Governor Obaseki invoked his faith and forgave, recognizing the adage that “to err is human, to forgive is divine.”
He expressed his belief that the deputy governor’s apology was genuine and hoped that it would be followed by sincere efforts to enhance conflict resolution skills. Governor Obaseki also urged the deputy governor to ensure that his representatives align with his commitment to amicable resolution.
The governor, along with his colleagues in government and the people of Edo State, aspired to see an end to these disputes. Their shared hope was to focus on effectively delivering the benefits of democracy to the citizens in the remaining twelve months of their administration.
The letter read: “I have noted the public apology made by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu. This apology followed an aberrant behaviour that contradicts what the people of Edo State stand for.
“To name a few, the Deputy Governor needlessly filed unfounded petitions in the Nigerian courts restraining me, the State House of Assembly, and Security agencies from a non-existent impeachment process, followed by repeated breaches of protocol; unwarranted and unprovoked attacks in the media on my person and the State Government.
“The media frenzy as a result of the above and more provided an impression of crises that has been precarious and distasteful to Edo people in the State and across the world.
“Although these unwarranted provocations caused me severe personal discomfort, as a person of faith, I am under obligation to accept this apology because as they say, ‘to err is human, to forgive is divine’.
“In good faith, I trust that the public apology as expressed by the Deputy Governor is genuine and followed by contrite steps to improve his conflict resolution skills.
“I also enjoin the Deputy Governor to guide his proxies to act in accordance with his piety.
“It is my sincere hope and that of my other colleagues in government and all well-meaning Edo people, that these rhetorics will be put to an end forthwith to enable this administration finish strong and deliver the dividends of democracy to the greatest number of Edo people over this final twelve (12) months,” Obaseki said.