Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu has denied ownership of a filling station along Airport Road, Benin which was allegedly sealed off by Edo State Petroleum Monitoring Task Force for hoarding fuel.
A statement by his spokesman, Mr. Musa Ebhomiana in Benin, has accused one Mr. Patrick Eholor who is also known as Ultimate Equal, of spreading rumours that the deputy governor owns a number of petrol stations in Benin City.
Ebhomiana charged that the “reckless and unfounded claim” by Eholor, founder of One Love Foundation is not only malicious but capable of inciting the public against the person and office of the Edo State Deputy Governor, especially at this time of fuel price deregulation.
The spokesman was unequivocal: “For the records, neither the deputy governor nor any member of his family owns any petrol station on Airport Road in Benin City.”
He said that Comrade Shaibu does not dignify rumour peddlers with responses, as it is not in the character of the deputy governor to react to fabricated stories like the one being spread around by Ultimate Equal.
Ebhomiana however argued that once in awhile, it is expedient to set the records straight in the interest of discerning members of the public, so that they are not “misinformed by misguided elements” like the controversial public affairs commentator.
He also refuted the claim by Eholor that the governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy are not in good terms, insisting that it is “another lie being spewed from the infertile mind of Eholor, out of his imaginations.”
Ebhomiana continued: “Without mincing words, we want to say clearly that the relationship between Mr. Governor and his Deputy is very cordial and robust. Indeed, they relate with each other like brothers and not on the basis of governor/deputy in running the affairs of Edo State.
“Rather, we plead that they sympathize with him as an idle and evil minded old man seeking cheap public attention. This misguided adventure on his part is nothing but a deliberate attempt to smear the person and integrity of the deputy governor which we view with all seriousness.
“Arising from the foregoing, members of the public are enjoined to disregard the lies being spined by Eholor”, Ebhomiana said.