Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has stated that he is not in rivalry with Governor Godwin Obaseki.
This followed the governor’s decision to cover the hospital bills of the Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure, a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) team that was attacked.
Armed robbers attacked a Sunshine Stars bus on the Ore-Benin Expressway on its way to Benin for a planned NPFL match versus Bendel Insurance.
A ball boy was shot, and the players and other officials were traumatized and bewildered as a result of the attack.
Shaibu had paid a visit to the players and pledged to cover their medical expenses. Obaseki, on the other hand, promised that the state government will cover the hospital bills of the injured players and officials.
Shaibu responded to Obaseki’s gesture by saying he would no longer foot the bills for the players and officials.
A statement by Shaibu’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebomhiana Musa, on Sunday evening, said:
“Our attention has been drawn to the fact that His Excellency, the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has directed that the medical bill of the injured Ball Boy and Kit Manager of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure be paid by Edo State government.
“Consequently, the state’s Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, has withdrawn his earlier promise to pay the medical bill.
“The office of Governor and Deputy Governor are one. We are not in any way in competition.”
Obaseki and Shaibu have been at loggerheads despite their alleged reconciliation.
Amid the face-off, Shaibu declared interest to run for governor of the state but Obaseki said members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will determine his fate.