Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has graciously accepted the public apology tendered by his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, emphasizing that his faith compelled him to embrace this act of contrition.
In a letter titled, “Re: Public Apology By The Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu,” Governor Obaseki expressed his faith-driven willingness to acknowledge and accept the apology extended by Shaibu. The governor added that he trusted the sincerity of the apology and hoped it would be accompanied by genuine efforts to enhance conflict resolution skills.
Governor Obaseki’s letter stated, “I have noted the public apology made by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Comrade Philip Shaibu. This apology followed an aberrant behavior that contradicts what the people of Edo State stand for.”
He went on to highlight some of the issues that had strained their relationship, including unfounded court petitions, breaches of protocol, and unwarranted attacks in the media. These incidents had not only caused personal discomfort to the governor but had also created an impression of unrest in Edo State.
However, Governor Obaseki, guided by his faith, expressed his commitment to forgiveness, quoting the well-known adage, “to err is human, to forgive is divine.” He extended his hope that the public apology by the Deputy Governor was sincere and would be followed by actions to improve conflict resolution skills, urging him to guide his associates to act in accordance with his own sense of piety.
Governor Obaseki concluded by expressing his desire for an end to such rhetoric and a focus on finishing the administration’s term strongly, delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Edo State over the remaining twelve months.
The apology from Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu stemmed from his acknowledgment of any inadvertent errors he may have committed while carrying out his official duties. This conciliatory gesture seeks to mend the relationship between the governor and his deputy for the benefit of the state and its people.