…says APC is not a rehabilitation centre
Former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, now a Senator, has advised Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, to be loyal to his principal, as the All Progressives Congress party, (APC), is not a centre for displaced persons.
Oshiomhole made the statement Thursday, in Benin City, while speaking with journalists after a condolence visit to the family of the late Esogban of Benin, Chief David Edebiri.
Oshiomhole debunked rumours of Shaibu’s impending defection to the APC, saying that the ruling party was not prepared to welcome him as “it is neither a rehabilitation center nor an Internally Displaced Persons camp.”
Shaibu recently initiated proceedings before a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order of the court, restraining authorities in Edo State from preventing him from continuing to function in the role of Deputy Governor of the State.
It is widely thought that this was a pre-emptive move by Shaibu who was believed to be in the process of decamping from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It will be recalled that Shaibu had earlier decamped from the APC to the PDP.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Oshiomhole said the APC was not in a hurry to welcome the embattled deputy governor back to the party, from which he moved to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the run up to the 2020 governorship election along with Governor Obaseki, as “we are very comfortable with playing the role of the opposition in the state”.
“I don’t know about that but let me say this. APC is not a rehabilitation centre. I can tell you that for free. We in APC, we are satisfied the way we are. We are happy in opposition and we are not about to receive people who are coming because they have lost out. There is no IDP camp in APC.
“My advice is that those who are having challenges, should learn to respect their bosses”, Oshiomhole said.
He faulted the deputy governor over his decision to head to court to challenge the alleged impeachment, saying that he was still trying to figure out how a court could adjudicate over a suspicious attempt at impeachment.
While stressing loyalty, the ex-governor recalled that even though, he didn’t support his deputy, Mr. Pius Odubu to succeed him during his stint as governor, he noted that it’s on record that he (Odubu) never took him to court.
“And many of you will attest to this and that is what gives me joy. I have always advised people to be loyal to whoever you work with. I was unable to support my deputy to succeed me but he never took me to court.
“Whether I was wrong or right, it is a matter for individuals to judge. And if there are people who profit only from crisis, they cannot have my support”, he maintained.
