By Dr.Isaiah Osifo.
The Story of Edo State Former Deputy Governor: Interrogating Omobayo Marvellous and Phillip Shaibu
By Dr.Isaiah Osifo.
Marvellous Omobayo was Deputy Governor of Edo State. He is from Akoko Edo Local Government Area and was nominated by the former Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki as his Deputy.
Philip Shaibu was Deputy Governor of Edo State. He is from Etsako West Local Government Area and was also nominated by former Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki as his Deputy. Phillip Shaibu and Omobayo Marvellous served as Deputy Governor of Edo State at different times. Historical documents, research materials, including Google , etc, have recorded both of them as former Deputy Governors of Edo State that served at different times.
The Constitutional provisions for the nomination of a Deputy Governor of a State are clearly written in the Constitution of Nigeria. Philip Shaibu knows that Omobayo Marvellous was nominated by the same Governor that nominated him as his Deputy.
Why is Phillip Shaibu presenting the issue about Marvellous Omobayo as former Deputy Governor as a personal dispute between him and Omobayo Marvellous?There is no basis for such personal conflict.
I watched on a National Television the embarrassing scenario created from the protest by Phillip Shaibu against the introduction of Omobayo Marvellous as former Deputy Governor of Edo State.The protest was uncalled for. Omobayo Marvellous was never part of the process that removed Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. No protest or jurisprudence will erase the historical fact that Omobayo was at a time the Deputy Governor of Edo State. Phillip Shaibu has right to challenge the process that removed him as the Deputy Governor, but should not vent his anger against a gentleman who was only a beneficiary of a decision that was taken by a government that was legally constituted at the time the decision was taken.
The politics of today will become the history of tomorrow. It is important for politicians, public servants, etc to act in line with good conscience and know that whatever you are doing will be recorded by history.
Some years ago, I equally watched on TV the complaints of an Edo man against another Edo man over a stolen Rolex wrist watch. History recorded the event despite the current romance between the complainant of the alleged stolen Rolex wrist watch and the man that was publicly accused of stealing it.
Is Philip Shaibu doubting the possibility of a future good relationship between himself and Omobayo Marvellous? It is possible because of the dynamics of human nature.
My opinion is that Philip Shaibu should not seek personal vendetta against Marvellous Omobayo.He did not nominate himself as the Deputy Governor. False accusations for the purpose of political or material gains is worthless.Committing time and resources to stop the introduction of Omobayo Marvellous as the former Deputy Governor of Edo State is a waste because history has recorded him as a former Deputy Governor of Edo State and cannot be reversed.
Leaders should spend time on constructive discussions and ideas that can generate opportunities for the citizens.Pursuit of titles, material gains etc, is transient and cannot promote effective leadership.
It is my desire that the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu should seek peaceful relationship with his brother, the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Omobayo Marvellous.
Dr.Isaiah Osifo.
Pioneer Chairman of Edo State Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria,(ALGON) Email -isaiahosifo@gmail.com
