OBASEKI / SHAIBU RIFT : AFEMAI MEDIA PROFESSIONALS APPEALS FOR PEACEFUL RESOLUTION
By Besiru Enakhimion.
Members of Afemai Media Professionals have appealed for peaceful resolution of the feud between Edo state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu .
In a press release signed by Messrs Besiru Enakhimion and Titus Akhigbe , the group noted that the governor and his deputy have worked together like childhood friends for about Seven years and appealed for the continuation of the sweet, warm and winning relationship that has existed between them.
Below is a full text of the release.
"We are disturbed and saddened by the unfortunate lingering feud between our dear Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu who is one of our own .
"The duo have been known to work together like childhood friends or Siamense twins for some years now. They have both offended same group of people or individuals in the course of their political adventures.
"In the course of this, the Deputy Governor had at different fora vowed to sink and swim with his Principal to whom he owes so much respect. In fact, he calls him "my elder brother" . However, the unfortunate strive has set in.
"It is really not out of place for two friends to have disagreement like the one bothering us today. Don't twins born of the same womb quarrel ? Don't husband and wife quarrel? Don't the teeth and the tongue clash sometimes? If we may ask. Therefore, disagreement is the pivot on which a blossoming relationship revolves.
"It is instructive to note here that when heads of two families have misunderstandings, it is not proper for the children or allies of any of the families to take sides and interfere in the matter. Such interference aggravates the quarrel. In the same vein, we appeal to those who seem to have taken sides with regards to the present disagreement between two brothers to desist from causing more harm through attacks on either our esteem Governor and father of the state or his deputy. No efforts should be spared to reunite the governor and his deputy for the peace, political stability and progress of our dear state.
"Maturity is displayed when two adults come together again after a quarrel. Our wonderful governor and his deputy are matured and civilized people and we trust that they will come back again stronger to the envy of others.
"We appreciate the soothing statement made by our very distinguished Senator Edobor Uzamere when he led elders of Edo South PDP on a solidarity visit to the governor. While eulogizing the governor during the visit, Senator Uzamere said, " We are aware of what is going on between you and your deputy and we stand by you and pray God gives you the wisdom to take the right path. THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR IS YOUR YOUNGER BROTHER. IF HE FINDS TIME TO COME TO YOUR EXCELLENCY, PLEASE ACCEPT HIM, SO WE CAN END WELL".
"That submission came from a true statesman who is not driven by hunger for stomach infrastructure but a man committed to true peace building and one who sincerely loves his party. We align with the submission of the revered Senator and sincerely appeal to His Excellency, our amiable Governor Godwin Obaseki to forgive his deputy, accept him and work with him as good friends that they have always been. As peace makers, we want both of them to jointly finish well and strong too.
"We Afemai people have a culture of respect for superiors and elders. Our culture has it that when an elder and his/her younger one quarrel, it is an abomination for the elder to apologize to the younger one , even if the elder is at fault. It is always the younger one that apologises to the elder and subsequently ask for his forgiveness.
"We have therefore on behalf of our brother, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu apologized to our friend, our Governor, His Excellency, Mr Godwin Obaseki. We appeal for the continuation of the sweet, warm and winning relationship that has existed between him and his deputy.
"They have come a long way. They have both incurred enmity with parties that have been opposed to them. They have run the race together like a team in a relay race for over seven years now without falling off their track. Now they are at the last lap, as good as breasting the tape . The devil must not be allowed to put a sword to the heart of this winning team that God has put together. May both of you end the race very well sir. This is our prayer.
"God bless Governor Godwin Obaseki.
God bless Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu
God bless Edo state".
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