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Governor Obaseki denies his deputy statutory official Vehicle, gives Speaker instead

All may not still be well in the relationship between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu inspite of the much publicised reconciliation, apologies and acceptance of apology between the duo, this paper has learnt.
A reliable source at the Edo State government house, who fears to be mentioned to avoid victimisation informed this medium that a Toyota Landcruiser which was bought by the governor for the use of the Deputy Governor approximately three months ago as a replacement for the one given to him seven years ago has been handed over to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku instead.
Miffed by this development, the source explained that in the first tenure of Governor Obaseki and Rt. Hon. Comrade Shaibu, only one vehicle, a Toyota Landcruiser was bought and allocated to the office of the Deputy Governor and that all the used escort vehicles in the convoy of the Deputy Governor were bought by friends of the deputy governor as support gifts in order not to expose him to unnecessary dangers.
“In the second tenure, the same vehicle allocated to the deputy governor about seven (7) years ago is yet to be replaced. It was because of this that it became obvious when a fast one was played on edolites last week, when in a twist of events, the Governor handed the Speaker a Toyota Landcruiser and a Toyota Hilux, instead of a Lexus sports utility vehicle that was approved for him.
“The Toyota Landcruiser was allegedly bought for the use of the Deputy Governor approximately three months ago as a replacement for the one given to him seven years ago,” the source explained.
The source lamented that this unfortunate incident where the Governor would deliberately deny the Deputy Governor of the vehicle, which was budgeted and bought in his name for a second tenure saying that the governor has also refused to release the vehicles for the assembly members, despite the N1.8billon approved and disbursed to the Governor to purchase their new vehicles.
He called on the good people of the state to rise against what he called “executive recklessness” which he insists must stop. He advised the governor to release the Toyota Landcruiser belonging to the deputy governor to him as this is statutory to the office.
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PANDEF Clarifies Visit To Tinubu, Knocks Wike Over Inflammatory Comments

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to retract his publicly disparaging remarks made recently against the socio-political body.
PANDEF described as regrerrable and embarrassing comments by Wike in the aftermath of the group’s visit to Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, even to the extent of insulting the late former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Chief Edwin.
Recall that the FCT minister had, on Thursday, during a media chat, described PANDEF as “the worst organisation anybody can rely on”, while also calling the board of trustee members of the body “political merchants”.
In a statement signed by PANDEF Chairman on Saturday in Abuja, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, urged President Tinubu as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent.
Igali clarified that the meeting with the president provided a valuable platform to discuss pressing issues of national and regional importance. Adding that “PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region.”
His words: ^To set the record straight, PANDEF the foremost socio-political body representing the South-South regions, composed of some of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities. The delegation to Mr. President included chairpersons of at least four of the six SouthSouth states’ traditional councils, senior traditional rulers of major ethnic groups, former governors, past presiding officers of the Senate, prominent entrepreneurs, academics, and high-ranking retired military officers.
“It is, therefore, highly regrettable and totally unacceptable that a serving minister in the Federal Government would exhibit such brazen disrespect towards individuals of this standing. This attitude perhaps explains his continued refusal of the Minister to engage with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which PANDEF constituted as far back as October 2024, despite repeated attempts to reach.
“The Honourable Minister (Wike) characterized PANDEF as the worst organization ever” and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa merely to solicit financial favors. These statements are not only false but also unbecoming of a public official of his stature.
“PANDEF hereby calls upon Mr. President, as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers who were, after all, esteemed guests of the Commander-in-Chief. It is apt to remind that the Minister does not own the Niger-Delta and his errant conduct should not be condoned.
“Notwithstanding this regrettable development, PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region,” Igali stated.
On efforts to restore peace in River State, Igali restated PANDEF’s commitment for peace in the oil-rich State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which remains committed to resolving the Rivers State crisis,” Igali stated.
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