Shaibu declares, "My ambition cannot be halted by anyone
Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has announced his intention to run for the upcoming 2024 governorship election under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party. He emphatically stated that his ambition cannot be thwarted.
Speaking at the Bishop Kelly Centre in Benin, the deputy governor, a native of the region, emphasized his connection to the people and their struggles. He called on voters and party members to support his aspiration, citing his 30 years in politics and seven years of collaboration with Governor Godwin Obaseki as qualifications that position him as the best successor.
"I declare that no one can impede my ambition," he asserted.
In a live broadcast on Monday while officially announcing his candidacy for the Edo governorship race, the deputy governor pledged to provide tangible governance if elected as the state governor in 2024. The Independent National Electoral Commission had previously slated September 21 as the election date.
"I want to express my gratitude to all of you. We have embarked on this journey, and after careful consultation, I, together with all of you, have decided to make our response to the people of Edo known. The response is clear.
"They, the people of Edo, have urged me to contest, recognizing me not just as a commoner but as an authentic son who truly belongs. I assure you that, with the grace of God, we will provide effective governance," he stated.
The candidate for the governorship position highlighted his accomplishments during his tenure as a member of the House of Assembly before transitioning to a federal lawmaker at the House of Representatives. Shaibu, pledging to enhance the agricultural sector, committed to building on the progress initiated by Obaseki in implementing projects throughout the state. He assured that he would "hit the ground running."
Shaibu was scheduled to make his declaration at the Eterno Hotel, but the venue faced interference as some associates of the state governor took control and organized their own event at the hotel.
The deputy governor's intention to announce his candidacy on Monday was outlined in a letter issued by the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation. The letter, dated November 23 and signed by the deputy governor, conveyed the planned declaration.
The letter, titled 'Special Invitation,' stated, "On behalf of Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation, I invite you to honor me with your esteemed presence as I offer myself to serve as the Chief Servant (Governor) of Edo State."
Shaibu's gubernatorial aspirations have created tension with his superior, Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is reportedly not supportive of his deputy succeeding him.
During the peak of the discord, Shaibu approached an Abuja High Court to prevent Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from impeaching him. He later withdrew the case following the intervention of concerned individuals.
Nevertheless, Shaibu continues to be isolated and presently operates from an office outside the Government House in GRA, Benin, the state capital. Despite this, he has been actively engaging with politicians and the media to communicate his aspirations.
During a conversation with journalists in Abuja last Saturday, Shaibu expressed his desire to follow in Obaseki's footsteps because, according to him, "Edo people are in dire need of practical governance, and we cannot afford to experiment again with someone who does not understand the politics and needs of Edo State."
He further stated, "Globally, there is a widespread call, even on the international stage, for governments to focus on essential projects. Therefore, we must conduct a thorough needs assessment. Understanding the needs of the people requires living among them.
"For me, competence and experience should be the guiding principles. We should consider who is competent, more experienced, and ready to hit the ground running from day one if elected as governor.
"Are we willing to take the risk of experimenting with a new individual, who would spend the initial four years learning on the job, and the subsequent four years attempting to misuse funds and establish businesses under the guise of consolidating his first term?"
Leave A Comment