Seven months after assuming the reins of government in Edo State for a second term, Godwin Obaseki is yet to constitute a cabinet.
Recall that Obaseki had a serious battle with Adams Oshiomhole, then chairman of his party, All Progressives Party (APC), culminating in his being denied the gubernatorial ticket, forcing him to defect to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
At the Edo State governorship election on September 19, 2020, Obaseki flew the PDP’s flag and beat APC’s candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and was inaugurated for a second term in November, 2020 alongside his deputy, Philip Shaibu.
Ever since, the governor has run the state without a cabinet.
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, recently attributed the delay in constituting a cabinet to the administration’s determination to make the voters part of picking the commissioners. He promised that the state cabinet would be formed in a few days.
He spoke to journalists on Sunday shortly after the Father’s Day ceremony at St Paul Catholic Church, Benin, Edo State capital.
“We will get a cabinet very soon. The process of getting the names started from the grassroots. This governor will not appoint people all by himself. He prefers that the people should nominate those that they feel should run the affairs of the state.”
“I am sure the best hands will be nominated by the people to serve their interest in the belief that together we will take Edo State to a great height,” he said.
