The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Godwin Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State, Andrew Okungbowa has resigned from his position.
Okungbowa’s resignation was contained in a short three-paragraph letter, dated December 4, 2023, and addressed to Obaseki.
He cited his dissatisfaction with how he was treated as the reason for his resignation.
Recall that Okungbowa was appointed Chief Press Secretary just five months ago, on July 25, 2023.
“I write to formally inform you of my resignation from my position as CPS to the governor, with immediate effect.
“I am most grateful for the privilege and opportunity to serve the governor and the state. Please, accept my kind felicitation,” the letter partly reads.
According to PoliticsNigeria, what prompted CPS’s resignation was the fact that the governor rated much higher and treated quite better, social media influencers in Government House in Benin, which he described as unacceptable.
It was also gathered that several high-ranking officials of the Edo government attempted to intervene to avert the resignation, but the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) was determined to quit.
The governor was said to have met with him in Lagos and requested that he join his media team to support his Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, in preparation for the crucial September 21, 2024 guber election. The CPS reportedly said that he was later treated with disrespect.
Meanwhile, Obaseki has said he will not support what is not fair and just in the upcoming gubernatorial elections.
The governor stated this while speaking on his deputy, Philip Shaibu’s declaration of interest in the gubernatorial election.
Obaseki shared his thoughts on Shaibu’s political ambition during an interview with BBC Pidgin.
The governor reiterated his earlier assertion that the people of the state would determine Shaibu’s fate.
He insisted that as a leader he would never be part of any endeavour that is not fair and just.
According to Obaseki; “E declare for himself now, no be me go decide whether my deputy, na Edo people go sit down and decide. Dem go say, this deputy, e get wetin e take to run the state?
“Let’s look at his background, antecedents if he has maybe and if he doesn’t have and in any case, the Edo people would decide how we would do the governorship whether it would be turn by turn or it will be based on equity, fairness and justice. To say okay, this people have done before.
As a leader, I will sit down and supervise. What is not fair, just and will help Edo unite, my hands are not there.”
Commenting on godfatherism in politics, Obaseki said: “Everybody needs nurturing and mentoring but not to the extent of teleguiding you. He can support and help you to make your decisions but ultimately at the end of the day it is for democracy – the people must decide who will lead them.”