Wailing for Phillip Shaibu
The political landscape in Edo State is looking gloomy for Comrade ȱ ǰȱȱĴȱ ¢ȱ Governor of the state. His was a history of intrigues, loyalty, disloyalty, executive powerlessness, and sheer braǯȱ ȱȱȱęȱȱȱȱȱ boss who is uneasily placated by any act of remorse but often determined to have his ȱ ȱ Ěǯȱ
With an impeachment process initiated by 21 out of 24 members of the state House of Assembly dangling in his face, only divine providence can save a political pugilist like Comrade Shaibu in the circumstance.
It is widely known that Governor Obaseki is yet to lose any political battle. So when his subordinate dared him, he simply bare his fangs.
Politics truly, is a game of interest. A time was when Comrade Shaibu was the hatchet man for Governor Obaseki: in those dark days when they were in the trenches against a perceived overbearing godfather.
It was sweet then. A common enemy needs to be checkmated and Philip Shaibu was the ready tool.
But that was sweet by and by. Now the chicken has come home to roost. And might be roasted too, in this raging storm.
Comrade Phillip Shaibu has the right to aspire to be governor of a state he has given so much to both at the state and federal level. But the Byzantine variant of the Obaseki politics saw it as an affront and said no.
I’m wailing for Phillip. Maybe he could have been more circumspect in his dealings with the governor against his estranged boss, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. But that is like crying over spilled milk now.
Whatever happens in the days ahead, it will always be on record that a certain Phillip Shaibu came, fought and fought very dirty. Yet, he lost out on all desired fronts. But he must learn to take it with all philosophical calmness and equanimity. He’s still a young man. There may still be another day.