“You are somebody who stood out. The price you paid is the price of loyalty, you were loyal even to the detriment of people you started with, you paid that price.”
These were the words of Jaret Tenebe, the acting chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State when he paid a solidarity visit to the impeached deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu in his Abuja residence on Wednesday.
In a video clip that has been widely circulated online, Tenebe in the video, described Shaibu as a strong man, declaring that he was in the impeached deputy governor’s residence to encourage him to pursue his matter in the court to a reasonable conclusion.
Tenebe, who likened what happened to Shaibu to that of Jesus Christ, adding: “He died for our sins, what has happened is a replica of what Jesus Christ did for humanity.”
“Today, they have removed you as the deputy governor but we still regard you as the deputy governor, it is the price that you have paid to ensure that Obaseki and his semblance are rooted out of Edo State, and I can tell you that we will not allow you walk alone, we are with you in spirit.
“You are a strong man, and I am here as the chairman of APC in Edo State, and an Uzairue indigene, we both come from the same place. We should be strong, and I implore you to continue to pursue this matter in court and we will be with you all through and God is your strength.
“When one door is closed many more are opened, and many are opened for you from today. That is what the detractors don’t know, be strong and we will match on together.”
In his response, Shaibu who said his removal would not stand the test of time, added that the whole exercise was because of the September 21 governorship election in the state.
Shaibu, who promised loyalty to the acting chairman, added: “We have shared a lot of things both good and bad together. I am deeply humbled and happy that even this situation has brought us together as one that we are. You are one person that I have always admired, someone that I grew up with.
“The person that actually separated us has also united us and that is the beauty of what has happened. I want to assure you that as we move on, just like you said, this whole thing happened between the Lent and Ramadan season, and the lessons of Lent and Ramadan are obvious.
“I am not ready to change my attitude, I am ready to be a friend and loyal friend and partner.