Ongoing renovation efforts have taken center stage at the previously abandoned Edo State government Procurement Office.
Adding intrigue to the situation, a fresh signboard now graces the building’s entrance, boldly declaring it as the ‘Office of the Deputy Governor.’ It’s worth noting that this new office is distinct from the well-established office of Edo State’s Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, situated just behind Governor Godwin Obaseki’s office in the Denis Osadebey Avenue power hub within GRA, Benin City.
This development fuels speculation that Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu may have been relocated from the Government House to this new office located at No. 7, Osadebey Avenue, a stone’s throw from the seat of power. This relocation appears linked to the widely reported strains in the relationship between Governor Obaseki and Deputy Governor Shaibu.
It’s worth noting that the Public Procurement Office, currently undergoing renovations, was originally commissioned on December 16, 2014, during the tenure of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
One of the workers engaged in the renovation shared that the project is set to be completed by the upcoming Monday. However, he remained puzzled about the building’s future purpose and the circumstances surrounding the placement of the signboard at the entrance.
The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, confirmed the situation, stating that if there’s an official government signboard indicating the new office, it’s indeed a factual development.
Conversely, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Musa Ebomhiana, denied any prior knowledge of plans to relocate the deputy governor’s office outside the Government House. He emphasized that until they receive formal notification of such a move, they consider it mere speculation and will respond appropriately. He underscored their commitment to their shared responsibility as part of the government’s joint leadership.
