The swirling rumors about the potential defection of Edo State’s Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) appear to have been put to rest.
Former governor of the state and current senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, indirectly addressed the speculation, asserting that the APC is not a sanctuary for politicians in distress.
Oshiomhole’s remarks were made in a veiled reference to the ongoing speculations. He spoke to journalists shortly after offering his condolences to the family of the late Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, whom he fondly described as his esteemed forefather.
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Emphasizing his stance, Oshiomhole stressed that his priority, regardless of the ruling political party, is to promote peace within the state. He underlined the importance of loyalty in politics, hinting that politicians are expected to remain faithful to their chosen parties.
He said “Regardless of party divide, it is my wish for Edo to be governed in peace and harmony because the supra party to which we all belong to is the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the political parties even the rate of camping and decamping and re-camping shows that the only thing that is constant is Nigeria and not the political parties.
“But what I read about somebody going to court to complain about being suspected of being impeached, I don’t know how courts adjudicate over suspicion.
“But let me say this, to say that somebody wants to run to the APC, I want to say APC is not a rehabilitation centre. I can tell you that for free.
“We in APC are satisfied the way we are; we are happy in opposition and we are not about to receive people who are coming because they have lost out. I want to say that there is no IDP camp in APC.
“So my advice is that those who are having challenges, should learn how to respect their bosses. I have always advised people that whoever you work with, be loyal.
“I was here and I was unable to support my deputy to succeed me, but my deputy never took me to court. And if there are people who always profit from crises, they cannot have my support.
“Regardless of what anybody will say, I come from only one of the clans in my local government, it will be nice if only my clan produce the governors but I know that Nigeria doesn’t work that way, there are those sentiments that people think that a this level of our development, the thing should go round.”