Shaibu: Edo can’t accept ‘Emilokan’ as strategy for winning elections, says Obaseki

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has said that the ‘Emilokan’ syndrome will not be accepted as a strategy for winning elections and ruling the state because it is the people that will decide the fate of any candidate.

The governor made the remarks on Tuesday in Benin City when leaders of Edo South Senatorial District paid him a courtesy visit on the back of the perceived disagreement between him and his deputy, Philip Shaibu.

Obaseki said what is happening between him and his deputy is really unfortunate, sad and avoidable because “the people know where we are coming from and what we have gone through.”

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“Edo people will not accept ‘Emilokon’ as a strategy in government as they are not known for that. For us, it is the people that will decide,” Obaseki said.

“What has happened in the last few months is strange and even if you have ambition, this is not the time to express it. The time table for the election is not out. You can’t be part of a government and also be the one to destabilise the same government.

“I thought we came together and will leave together and let the people say you have done a great job and they will now make the decision themselves. They are the ones to say that come rain or sunshine, we must continue.

“You are telling the world one thing and yet doing another. You are loyal to your principal and yet you are in Court with your principal. Everybody has the right to be ambitious but do it the right way,” the governor said.

He added: “When we came in, I said let’s build institutions, not individuals. The constitution provides for a Deputy Governor and what I can’t do, I call on my Deputy Governor to do it for me. That is not a crime. The Constitution doesn’t provide for co-governor but Deputy Governor.

“Elevating a Deputy Governor and making him visible is not a crime. But this I did because I want to build institutions rather than individuals or persons. To mistake that and misuse it is really unfortunate as you have created the impression that the Deputy Governor should not be given responsibility.”