Edo, Shaibu bicker over warning against looting

The Edo State Government and the reinstated Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, are at loggerheads over a warning issued to top government functionaries to guard against the looting of government properties by political appointees.

Shaibu, in a statement on Friday, said that top government officials would be held responsible if looting of government properties occurs as this administration winds down.

He stated, “As our administration ends in a few weeks, I have issued a stern warning to Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to guard against the looting of government properties by political appointees, as they will be held accountable by the incoming administration for any assets missing under their watch.

“The Permanent Secretaries and Directors must understand that it is their responsibility to protect the properties because these political aides (Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers/Assistants, and Senior Special Advisers/Assistants) are government appointees who are also leaving on November 11.
“Therefore, the failure of Permanent Secretaries and heads of these MDAs to act means they will be held responsible for accounting for their inventories. Removing fixed items and government properties is a crime and unacceptable.
“Permanent Secretaries and heads of MDAs should, therefore, guard against such criminality or face consequences. All political appointees must also desist from such actions, which may land them in trouble.”

In a swift response, Special Adviser for Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, dismissed the warning, describing it as infantile, and urged top government functionaries to disregard the impeached deputy governor.
He added, “Our attention has been drawn to the very ridiculous statement purportedly signed by the impeached deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, in which he warned Permanent Secretaries and Heads of MDAs to guard against the looting of government properties by political appointees.

“We want to reiterate that Philip Shaibu remains impeached as the Deputy Governor of Edo State until the determination of the court and therefore lacks the power and authority to issue directives or warnings to Permanent Secretaries, heads of MDAs, or any staff under the employ of the Edo State Government.

“We urge all Edo workers to disregard the infantile ramblings of the impeached deputy governor and continue with their lawful duties without fear of intimidation and harassment while ensuring the delivery of quality and effective service to the people of Edo State.”