Kelvin Bowoto
A large crowd of supporters of Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, primarily from his Etsako West local government area, conducted a peaceful demonstration against the Edo State House of Assembly yesterday over machinations to begin the impeachment process against the deputy governor.
Remember that Shaibu has been under fire since his decision to succeed his boss in office, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Shaibu had previously won a parallel primary on February 22. However, the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recognized Dr. Asue Ighodalo as its candidate after winning the state primary.
However, peaceful protestors led by the Edo North PDP Rescue Movement, ENREM, gathered at the iconic Jattu Junction in Etsako West LG in the early hours of the day with banners.
They then marched through Etsako West LGA’s major streets before arriving at the famed Jattu Junction, where they addressed the journalists.
The demonstrators held signs with messages such as “We Say No Impeachment, No to the Impeachment of Philip Shaibu, and Shaibu Should Be Rewarded for His Loyalty,” among others.
The protesters advised the Edo State House of Assembly to focus on providing good legislative governance for the Edo people they represent rather than engaging in fruitless impeachment attempts that bring no food to the table of the hungry Edo people who bear the brunt of bad governance and poor representation in the state.
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They urged the Speaker of the State House Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, to listen to the voice of reason rather than working against the interests of Afemai, his own people, who elected him to represent them.
While addressing the media, the protesters’ leader, Hon. Festus Owu, accused those behind the impeachment of having previously profited from Philip’s kind gestures and compassion.
He criticized the role of Edo State Governor, His Excellency Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in the impeachment, reminding him of Shaibu’s inherent and fundamental right to declare his ambition to be elected governor of the state.
He stated that “any party that wants to win an election must believe in coherence, in resolving the problem at hand rather than exacerbating it.” Every man has the right to run for office; Philip Shaibu has stated his desire to run for Edo State Governor, and anyone who opposes him is intentionally reverting the state to the era of godfatherism.”
He reminded the governor of his statement from a few years ago that anyone, including himself, should be stoned if he attempts to become a godfather in the state.
He also warned Agbebaku not to become a puppet and rubber stamp Speaker in the hands of the state’s opponents, who have no good intentions for the people.
Techrectory with Agency Report.
