…Deputy Governor reacts, refutes Orbih’s claim
By Hillary Asemota
There is no gain saying the fact the $300,000 has rocked the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party Chapter (PDP).
Even as the controversy is yet to subside, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, has come out to refute the allegation that the National Vice Chairman, South-South of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Osi Orbih, purporting that he gave the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the sum of $300,000 to hand over to him as part of some sort of political settlement regarding the Edo State chapter of the PDP.
In a statement made available to the media which he signed, Shaibu roundly condemned allegation, saying that is absolutely false, urging that the insinuations be disregarded.
He said, “It has come to my attention that the National Vice Chairman, South-South of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Osi Orbih, has made an absolutely false allegation purporting that I had given the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the sum of $300,000 to hand over to Orbih as part of some sort of political settlement regarding the Edo State chapter of the PDP.
“Nothing can be farther from the truth.
“I want to state without equivocation that no such transaction ever occurred. It even betrays reasons that I, as Deputy Governor, would have to send the State Governor, my boss, on an errand to hand money to a party leader. It is an aberration of the highest proportion that deserves no contemplation.”
Shaibu added, “I, therefore, condemn the rumour in its entirety and urge that the insinuations be disregarded as it has no basis in facts.”
On the raging controversy, allegation and counter allegation, Shaibu, said: “It has come to my attention that the National Vice Chairman, South-South of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Osi Orbih, has made an absolutely false allegation purporting that I had given the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the sum of $300,000 to hand over to Orbih as part of some sort of political settlement regarding the Edo State chapter of the PDP.
“Nothing can be farther from the truth.
“I want to state without equivocation that no such transaction ever occurred. It even betrays reasons that I, as Deputy Governor, would have to send the State Governor, my boss, on an errand to hand money to a party leader. It is an aberration of the highest proportion that deserves no contemplation.
“I therefore condemn the rumour in its entirety and urge that the insinuations be disregarded as it has no basis in facts.”
Signed: Comrade Philip Shaibu, Deputy Governor, Edo State.