Just In: Edo Chief of Staff resigns

...as Governor removes Deputy Governor as COVID-19 response team Chairman



Information reaching this blog has it that the Chief of Staff to the Edo State governor, Mr. Taiwo Akerele has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

This follows the report on rift between Edo state Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and former speaker of the Edo Assembly Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, as it concerns sharing formula and award of contracts.

A source in Government House told this blog that that Philip shaibu cornered all contracts to himself and proxies, this led to the current battle between the Deputy governor and cabinet members.

Governor Obaseki has, however, relieved his Deputy Philip Shaibu of his initial appointment as Chairman of Edo state COVID-19 response team.

Obaseki had in an undisclosed meeting sometime ago blamed Phillip Shaibu for all the political crises in the state and for igniting his fight against the state party leaders and APC National Chairman Comr Adams Oshiomhole.


Read the resignation letter below:

Dear sir,

My decision to exit the government is based on administrative and governance grounds.

I am solidly with His excellency Mr Godwin Obaseki in his quest to transform Edo state. His mission and vision resonates with mine.

This is all I have to say, I will like to be given opportunity to go private as I part ways administratively with the government based on principles.

I thank his excellency for the opportunity given to me to serve in this capacity and also thanks to His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare ii for his immense leadership and support during the period I served in this capacity. May his reign be long and peaceful. Amen

Thank you

 T. Francis Akerele (TFA)
Chief of staff, Edo state government November 14,  2016 - April 25 2020.