The National Vice-Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party PDP South South zone, Chief Dan Osi Orbih has expressed concern over the frigid relationship between the Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, noting that both parties must exercise caution in what they say or do in the midst of their conflicts.
Chief Orbih, in a statement titled “Do Not Demarket PDP in Edo State,” duly signed by him and sent to Truth Live News, described the conflict between Edo Governor and his deputy as “needless and unending crisis.”
The statement reads in parts;
“I have observed with trepidation, the frosty relations between the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu and I am constrained to call on both parties to exercise restraint in what to say or do in the course of this ongoing needless and endless crisis.”
The PDP chieftain expressed his disdain at the manner in which Obaseki and Shaibu fight publicly to the point where official documents are now being littered around social media. He further asked the duo to seize fire because their actions may taint the image of the party and result to dare consequences in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
“To my surprise, official letters, which should be confidential, are now dominating the social media space. I urge both parties to stop further hostilities and resolve their differences quietly in the interest of good governance and progress of the state. Anything less may affect the image and fortunes of the Party in the coming Guber election.
“Yes, we have had issues in the past between party and government, but we haven’t allowed them to be subject to newspaper editorials.”
Orbih further reiterated that PDP as a brand has come under threat as a result of the “needless” fight between Obaseki and Shaibu, asking that they both sheathe their swords and find better ways to resolve their issues amicably.
“PDP is a strong brand in Edo State – a brand that has been nurtured over the years by the commitment of leaders and dedicated members of the party. This brand is now under serious threat by the current raging battle between the Governor and Deputy-Governor.
“I therefore seize this opportunity to call on both parties to ‘cease fire’ and resolve their differences amicably.
Orbih ended the statement by praying for the party and state,
“God bless PDP. God bless Edo State.”