In a surprising turn of events, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has withdrawn his earlier commitment to cover the hospital bills of the attacked players and officials of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure. This decision comes following Governor Godwin Obaseki’s announcement that the state government would assume responsibility for the medical expenses.
The football team fell victim to an armed robbery attack while traveling to Benin for an NPFL match against Bendel Insurance. The incident resulted in a ball boy being shot, leaving players and officials traumatized.
Initially, Deputy Governor Shaibu had visited the affected individuals and pledged to cover their hospital bills. However, Governor Obaseki intervened by assuring that the state government would take care of the medical expenses for the injured players and officials.
In response to Governor Obaseki’s gesture, a statement from Shaibu’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebomhiana Musa, clarified the decision: “Consequently, the state’s Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, has withdrawn his earlier promise to pay the medical bill. The office of Governor and Deputy Governor are one. We are not in any way in competition.”
The backdrop of this incident is the reported tension between Governor Obaseki and Deputy Governor Shaibu, despite alleged attempts at reconciliation. Notably, Shaibu has declared his intention to run for governor of the state, while Governor Obaseki has deferred the decision to the members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
