The deputy governor of Edo state, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has stated that he is not in competition with Governor Godwin Obaseki on the payment of the hospital bill of the attacked players and officials of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure.
Representatives of Obaseki, comprising high-ranking officials from his administration and personal aides, visited an undisclosed hospital to meet with the players and officials.
The team’s bus had been attacked by armed robbers on the Ore-Benin Expressway while en route to Benin for a scheduled NPFL Match 13 against Bendel Insurance.
Shaibu also separately visited the attacked players and officials in the hospital, and later in their undisclosed hotel.
A ball boy was shot, while the players and other officials were highly traumatised and disoriented after the attack.
The sports-loving Obaseki provided the much-needed succour and support for the players and officials, while he offered to foot the bill of the medical treatment of all the persons involved in the unfortunate incident, with Shaibu also doing the same things.
Edo deputy governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebomhiana Musa, said on Sunday evening: “Our attention has been drawn to the fact that His Excellency, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has directed that the medical bill of the injured Ball Boy and Kit Manager of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure be paid by Edo State government.
“Consequently, the state’s Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. (Comrade) Philip Shaibu, has withdrawn his earlier promise to pay the medical bill. He, however, said the cash gift he gave the players, when he visited them in their hotel on Saturday, remains.
“The office of Governor and Deputy Governor are one. We are not in any way in competition.”
Shaibu also stated that he acted swiftly on the sad incident, because of the passion and love he had for football, and as someone who had been there before, thereby knowing the feelings of the players.
The Nation
