Just In : Governor accuses his Deputy of mischief over chapel renovation
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has accused his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, of mischief, over the renovation of the Interdenominational Government House Chapel in Benin.
The governor yesterday in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Religious Matters, Rev. Osagie Ehrunmwunse, who is also the Pastor-in-Charge of Edo State Government House Chapel, said it was unfortunate that Shaibu continued to stir controversy over the renovation of the chapel.
Obaseki alleged that his deputy was trying to use things Nigerians and Edo people see and hold as sacred, such as religion, to whip up political sentiments.
He said: “In the last couple of days, we have seen posts on social media and other media outfits suggesting that the state government has shut down the chapel, and prevented people from using it as a place of worship.
“Following closely from this narrative, our dear brother, the deputy governor, held an outdoor mass with some Catholic faithful, clearly showing that he is the mastermind behind the persons circulating the video and the accompanying false commentary, as his actions seek to curiously authenticate their false claims.”
Shaibu’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebomhiana Musa, was contacted for reaction, but he refused to respond.
“It is unfortunate that the deputy governor has embarked on this lowly adventure, attempting to stoke religious animosity to embarrass the government, in which he serves.
“We want to bring the attention of the public and other relevant stakeholders to the fact that the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, was present at the 57th Exco meeting held on November 1, 2023, when approval was given for the renovation and remodelling of the Government House Interdenominational Chapel. He served as vice chairman of the council at that meeting. The project is being handled by Edo State Public Building and Maintenance Agency.”
Obaseki urged Shaibu to deploy the efforts being used for mischief in his political (governorship) aspiration, and not use sacred matters as materials for his campaign.
