Governor of Edo State Godwin Obaseki has accepted the apologies from his deputy, Philip Shaibu, stating that to err is human but forgiving is divine.
Shaibu’s desire to lead the oil-rich state has caused friction between the two leaders. Due to their political disagreements, the deputy governor asked his principal for forgiveness last week.
Speaking to reporters in Benin, he stated, “I use this medium to appeal to Mr. Governor; if there is anything that I don’t know that I have done, please forgive me so that we can develop our state together.”
Seven days later, the governor himself signed a statement denouncing as unjustified provocations the petitions signed by his deputy barring him and security services from initiating impeachment procedures.
In addition, he denied the existence of the alleged impeachment and stated that he must accept the apologies.
In all sincerity, the governor stated that he believes Shaibu’s public apologies and the remorseful actions that would come after will strengthen his ability to resolve conflicts.
He said, “Although these unwarranted provocations caused me severe personal discomfort, as a person of faith, I am under obligation to accept this apology because as they say, “to err is human, to forgive is divine.”
“In good faith, I trust that the public apology as expressed by the Deputy Governor is genuine and followed by contrite steps to improve his conflict resolution skills. I also enjoin the Deputy Governor to guide his proxies to act in accordance with his piety.
“It is my sincere hope and that of my other colleagues in government and all well-meaning Edo people, that these rhetorics will be put to an end forthwith to enable this administration finish strong and deliver the dividends of democracy to the greatest number of Edo people over this final twelve (12) months.” the governor concluded
