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  • JUST IN: Shaibu declares for Edo 2024, vows ‘nobody can stop me’

    JUST IN: Shaibu declares for Edo 2024, vows ‘nobody can stop me’

    Edo Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu has declared for the 2024 Governorship race in the State. 

    He stated nothing and no one can stop him from picking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the race. 

    Shaibu’s declaration was initially fixed for Eterno Hotel, Aiguobasimwin Crescent, off Ikpokpan Road, Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin by 8am

    However some allies of Governor Obaseki Obaseki, who is opposed to Shaibu’s aspiration, fixed the fourth edition of meeting for progressive supporters of Obaseki’s Finish Well Group (FWG) for the same date and venue. 

    The group’s meeting was scheduled to start by 7:30am to campaign for Edo Governor’s anointed aspirant on PDP’s platform, Asue Ighodalo, a Lagos-based lawyer.

    Sensing the apparent provocation, Shaibu decided to move his declaration to the Pastoral Centre of St Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin.

    Shaibu, a former Edo Majority Leader and ex-member of the House of Representatives, said: “Back in the day, you did not just call me ‘Mr. Constituency Project,’ for nothing. In my time as a legislator, I delivered 49 constituency projects at the state level, and 13 solid constituency projects within my short stint at the federal level.

    Read Also: Edo’s Philip Shaibu bites the bullet

    “I have fought the good fight for you, my people. Along the way, I suffered humiliations, and enjoyed many moments of victory, but I am thankful in all things. 

    “I have been pressed but not crushed, persecuted but not abandoned, badly hurt but not destroyed. I resonate with the tireless and irrepressible spirit of the Edo People. By the grace of God, nothing and no one can stop us. After all, I be original Edo son, 100 per cent home boy.

    “This is why today, I stand before you with great conviction and resolve, as I declare my intention to run for the office of the Governor of Edo State, on the platform of the PDP, in the upcoming 2024 election, and I am confident that with your support, we can take Edo State to even greater heights.”

    He promised his campaigns would be built upon five core pillars vital to the transformation and prosperity of Edo State. 

    Details Shortly…

  • Shaibu’s declaration renews Edo 2024 battle with Obaseki

    Shaibu’s declaration renews Edo 2024 battle with Obaseki

    • Clash of camps likely at venue

    The die is cast between Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, over next year’s succession plan.

    The deputy governor will declare his intention to succeed his boss today in Benin City, the state capital, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    However, the declaration will pale into a flexing of muscles between Shaibu and his boss at  Eterno Hotel, Aiguobasimwin Crescent, off Ikpokpan Road, Government Reservation Area (GRA), where Obaseki’s supporters are also converging for a meeting.

    Read Also; PHOTOS: Gov Sanwo-Olu hosts Oba Of Benin in Lagos

    Shaibu’s declaration is coinciding with the fourth meeting of ‘Finish Well Group,’ which is the main structure of the governor in Edo PDP.

    While the meeting of the group kicks off f at 7:30 a.m, Shaibu’s supporters are expected to storm the same venue at 8.am.

    A source close to the deputy governor said: “It (the group’s meeting) was merely posted to disorganise us, but we remain unshaken.”

    Shaibu, who hails from Edo North Senatorial District, has been at loggerheads with his boss, who has not endorsed his bid to succeed him in next year’s election.

    The deputy governor, who had earlier reiterated his   loyalty to Obaseki, who hails from Edo South, has insisted that he will contest for the poll.

    However, Obaseki is believed to be rooting fora Lagos-based lawyer, Asue Ighodalo, who hails from Edo Central, as successor. 

  • Shaibu dares Obaseki, joins race for governor

    Shaibu dares Obaseki, joins race for governor

    Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu yesterday dared his boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki, by unfolding his ambition to succeed him next year on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Explaining why he threw his hat into the ring, he said “Edo needs a practical leader.”

    The 2024 succession plan has been a bone of contention between Obaseki and Shaibu, who was endorsed by his ward for governor last week.

    The governor had declined to endorse his deputy, who hails from Edo North, claiming that another politician cannot be fielded by the party in succession to himself, who succeeded former Governor Adams Oshiomhole from the North District over seven years ago.

    Although Shaibu has apologised to his boss and reiterated his loyalty, his declaration of ambition may retard the reconciliation.

    Read Also: Why I want to succeed Obaseki, by Shaibu

    Shaibu, who said he was still consulting on his next moves, said the outcome of his consultation would be made known soon.

    He said what the state needed was practical and not experimental governance, a vague reference to alleged moves by the governor to anoint a technocrat as candidate.

    Shaibu told reporters in Abuja that Edo cannot afford to experiment with someone who does not understand the needs of the people.

    He said: “With the 2024 Edo governorship election fast approaching, the state can not afford to experiment again with someone who does not understand the politics of the state or the needs of the people.

    “Edo people need practical governance and you cannot experiment again with somebody that do not understand the politics of a good state and the needs of the people.”

    The deputy governor said citizens were asking the government to stop pushing for projects that are not needed in any environment.

    He said: “So, everything we have to do should be assessed. You cannot know the need of the people when you don’t live with them. So  for me, competence and experience should be the watchwords as we go into the election in 2024.

    “Who is competent? Who is more experienced? Who will hit the ground running from day one?

    “Are we going to experiment with a new person again? And the person will spend the first four years learning on the job and he will spend another four years trying to embezzle, set up his businesses in the name of consolidating on the gains of the first term.

    “Or do we need a governor that from day one will hit the ground running?”

    Shaibu said for any government to succeed, there must be collaboration between the state and the Federal Government.

    He said: “From my own experience, I have seen that for me to succeed as a governor, there must be collaboration.

    “I understand the debt profile of the state and where I feel I can get funding to put up structure in the state. So, I won’t be coming to learn on the job, but to hit the ground running.”

    Shaibu, who also spoke on zoning and rotation  among the three zones in the state, said while the other zones have had more than a turn at producing a governor, Edo North has had one turn.

    He added: “Whereas other senatorial districts have had more than one turn in the governorship position in the state, Edo north had only one turn.

    “We have had four governors from South, two from Central and only one from North.

    “Just like my ambition to be the deputy governor was not mine, but I made myself available, so also the ambition to be governor is still not mine. I’m only making myself available.”

  • Why I want to succeed Obaseki, by Shaibu

    Why I want to succeed Obaseki, by Shaibu

    The deputy governor of Edo state, Philip Shaibu, has explained why he wants to succeed the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki in 2024.

    Shaibu, who said he was still consulting in his next moves, said the outcome of his consultation would be made known soon.

    He said what the state needed was practical and not experimental governance.

    Speaking with journalists from Edo State on Sunday in Abuja, Shaibu said the state cannot afford to experiment with someone who does not understand the needs of the people.

    He said: “With the 2024 Edo governorship election fast approaching, the state can not afford to experiment again with someone who does not understand the politics of the state or the needs of the people.

    “Edo people need practical governance and you cannot experiment again with somebody that do not understand the politics of a good state and the needs of the people.”

    According to the deputy governor, citizens are asking the government to stop pushing for projects that are not needed in any environment.

    He said: “So, everything we have to do should be assessed.

    “You cannot know the need of the people when you don’t live with them. So for me, competence and experience should be the watchwords as we go into the election in 2024.

    “Who is competent? Who is more experienced? Who will hit the ground running from day one?

    “Are we going to experiment with a new person again? And the person will spend the first four years learning on the job and he will spend another four years trying to embezzle, set up his businesses in the name of consolidating on the gains of the first term.

    Read Also: Shaibu hails Oba on Emoro festival, reviving age-long heritage

    “Or do we need a governor that from day one will hit the ground running?”

    Shaibu said for any government to succeed, there must be collaboration between the state and the federal government.

    He said: “From my own experience, I have seen that for me to succeed as a governor, there must be collaboration,” he added.

    “I understand the debt profile of the state and where I feel I can get funding to put up structure in the state. So, I won’t be coming to learn on the job, but to hit the ground running.”

    Shaibu, who also spoke on rotational governorship among the three zones in the state, said while the other zones have had more than a turn at producing a governor, Edo north has had just one turn.

    He added: “Whereas other senatorial districts have had more than one turn in the governorship position in the state, Edo north had only one turn.

    “We have had four governors from south, two from central and only one from north.

    “Just like my ambition to be the deputy governor was not mine, but I made myself available, so also the ambition to be governor is still not mine. I’m only making myself available.”

  • Kinsmen to Edo deputy governor Shaibu: run for governor

    Kinsmen to Edo deputy governor Shaibu: run for governor

    In spite of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, anointing a Lagos-based lawyer, Asue Ighodalo, the kinsmen of Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, have unanimously endorsed him to vie for the state’s governorship election next year.

    Shaibu’s kinsmen, who are mostly members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his Ward 11, Etsako West Local Government, in Edo North Senatorial District, described him as the right person to succeed Obaseki on November 12, 2024.

    The admonition was made yesterday during a carnival-like reception for Shaibu, with PDP’s Ward 11 Chairman in Etsako West Local Government, Igbafe Agbonoga, affirming Edo deputy governor’s acceptability among his people and party’s faithful.

    Ighodalo hails from Edo Central Senatorial District, with Obaseki, an indigene of Benin in Edo South Senatorial District, fully backing him to emerge as the PDP candidate, ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election, to ensure justice, equity and fairness.

    Agbonoga said: “The show of genuine love by the excited party leaders is a pointer to the fact that PDP’s governorship primary election will be a referendum for the passionate Edo Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, with a masterplan, on a mission for practical governance for all-round development of Edo State.

    “We have agreed that Comrade Shaibu must run for 2024 governorship election in Edo State. We know that he will make a huge difference, if elected as the next governor of our dear state. Our decision is based on the ideology of Edo deputy governor’s practicality in governance, during his tenure as a member of Edo House of Assembly, as the Majority Leader, and in the National Assembly, which focused on paradigm shift in governance.”

    Read Also: Obaseki, Shaibu congratulate Diri

    “Ward 11 PDP members and leaders, after critically examining the antecedents and capacity of Edo deputy governor, decided to endorse and support him to run and win the Edo 2024 governorship election. The decision was taken with due consultations with members of PDP across the entire Ward 11 of PDP in Estako West Local Government.

    “Comrade Shaibu is the most credible and qualified person for Edo 2024 governorship. As residents of the state prepare to elect a new governor in less than a year, we need not just any politician, but a man with the best interest of Edo at heart, in addition to his wealth of experience. We need the incumbent deputy governor to steer the ship of Edo from the failed expectations and disappointments that have been our bane in the last seven years.” 

    The ward chairman also stated that after careful scrutiny of the politicians who were aspiring to be the next governor of Edo State, he and other chieftains of PDP in the area found that the most suitable person for the job was Shaibu, thereby endorsing him.

  • Shaibu hails Oba on Emoro festival, reviving age-long heritage

    Shaibu hails Oba on Emoro festival, reviving age-long heritage

    The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has hailed the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, on the revival and celebration of Emoro traditional (new yam) festival, an age-long heritage.

    Shaibu, yesterday in Benin, said: “I am most delighted to felicitate with His Royal Majesty (Oba of Benin) on this momentous celebration of the age-long heritage the Emoro Traditional Festival.

    Read Also: Ishola Shuaibu: How Oruma, Japan ’93 victory inspired me 

    “The revival of this historic festival is a demonstration of our highly revered monarch’s quest in preserving the rich culture and tradition that the great Benin Kingdom is renowned for globally.

    “Centuries ago, the Emoro Traditional Festival provided a platform for the people of Benin Nation, both at home and in the diaspora, to interact, socialise and promote the unique heritage of the kingdom.

    “As a son of the Omo N’Oba, l am proud to join the Benin royal family and well-meaning Edo people, particularly sons and daughters of Benin Kingdom,.to congratulate His Royal Majesty for the wisdom and courage in  reviving the Emoro Traditional Festival.” Edo deputy governor also prayed that as the first-class monarch was celebrating the historic festival, the Almighty God and the indomitable ancestors of Benin kingdom would continue to bless the traditional ruler and preserve Edo people in love, unity and mutual co-existence.

  • Shaibu denied use of Govt House

    Shaibu denied use of Govt House

    Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu yesterday resumed office at 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue in the Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Benin, the state capital, instead of the Government House.

    Shaibu had thought he would resume at his designated office at the Government House, following the amnesty his boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki, offered him over their face-off.

    On September 21, Shaibu had pleaded with Obaseki to forgive him, saying he was sorry.

    The deputy governor also said he really missed his boss and would like to reunite with him.

    Obaseki accepted Shaibu’s public apology and asked his “aberrant” deputy to sin no more.

    But on resumption of office yesterday, Shaibu was disallowed from resuming at the Government House, forcing him to move to the new GRA office.

    The deputy governor was accompanied by clerics who sanctified the new office with anointing oil and torrents of prayers.

    An ally of Shaibu, who spoke in confidence yesterday, said: “The regular monthly prayer session by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, Edo Deputy Governor, with members of staff and friends of the family held at 7, Osadebey Avenue, GRA, Benin City.

    Read Also: Shaibu resumes in new office after Obaseki refuses return to Govt House

    “The Second Family of Edo State usually thanks God for the past month and commits the new month into the hands of God. It is a tradition that has been on since he assumed office as the state’s Number Two citizen.

    “Many reverend fathers from different parishes within the Benin Archdiocese of Catholic Church were on the ground to offer this month’s prayers.”

    It was also not clear yesterday if Shaibu’s media team would continue to operate from outside of the Government House, having been allegedly kicked out of the place on the governor’s order.

    Also, Shaibu has hinted that he would dedicate himself to the service of God, after leaving office, by concentrating on church duties.

    The embattled deputy governor said he would end up as a warden in Catholic Church, like his wife, Maryann.

    He described himself as God’s miracle, adding that he and his siblings grew up in Catholic Church and would continue to participate in the church’s programmes and activities.

    Shaibu described himself as a committed and strong-willed person who cannnot be bought with money.

    “If I am with you, I am with you. Nothing troubles me. I sleep well,” he said.

  • Shaibu resumes in new office after Obaseki refuses return to Govt House

    Shaibu resumes in new office after Obaseki refuses return to Govt House

    Edo Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu resumed in his new office on Wednesday located at No. 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin.

    Despite Governor Godwin Obaseki’s September 28 acceptance of Shaibu’s apology, he refused to allow his “loyal’ deputy return to the official office inside Government House.

    He was also not forthcoming on if Shaibu’s disbanded media team would be restored.

    Shaibu moved into his new office with some Catholic priests as a staunch Catholic.

    The Reverend Fathers specially anointed and dedicated the one-storey building and the office complex to God as well as pray for Shaibu, his aides and staff.

    Read Also: Obaseki: I forgive Shaibu’s ‘aberrant behaviour’

    Shaibu, on September 21, pleaded with Obaseki to forgive him, saying he was sorry while declaring that he was really missing Edo Governor.

    He also stated that he had then not moved into his newly-allocated office because the recently-renovated office was not yet policed and lacked a conference room, among other needs.

    But Shaibu was silent on if the needful had been done on Wednesday.

    Before apologising to Obaseki, the Edo Deputy Governor had withdrawn the anti-impeachment suit at the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja, based on intervention of eminent personalities within and outside Edo state.

    Obaseki, while accepting the public apology made by Shaibu, stressed that: “to err is human, to forgive is divine.”

  • Shaibu’s Govt House office reallocated

    Shaibu’s Govt House office reallocated

    The Government House Office of  Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu now has a new tenant, contrary to claims that he was moved from the office to pave the way for its renovation.

    Shaibu’s former office now serves as secretariat to the annual Alaghodaro Summit.

    Alaghodaro, a Benin catchphrase meaning “progress” or “moving forward”, is an investment drive by the state government, initiated by Obaseki.

    The reallocation of the facility became public yesterday, a day the embattled deputy governor begged his boss, Godwin Obaseki for forgiveness and reconciliation. 

    According to a September 18 memo sighted by The Nation, Obaseki directed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie, to “immediately” allocate Shaibu’s office building to the trustees of the Alaghodaro Summit as their secretariat.

    The development contravened Obaseki’s earlier claim that the one-storey building was scheduled for renovation.

    It was gathered that the chairman of Alaghodaro, through its secretary, had written to Obaseki for a permanent secretariat to aid planning and logistics for this year’s summit in the second week of November.

    According to the memo, the office space closest to the venue of the summit is the New Festival Hall of Government House, which until a few days ago, was occupied by Shaibu.

    It directed that the space be allocated to the board of trustees of the Alaghodaro Summit, expected to attract potential investors.

    Read Also: Protest rocks Osun govt secretariat over planned imposition of monarch 

    Obaseki and Shaibu are locked in a succession battle. Shaibu’s purported ambition to succeed Obaseki next year is at the centre of the feud.

    Earlier in the month, Obaseki ordered the relocation of his deputy to an office outside the government house. He also disbanded his media crew.

    Shaibu’s office was to No. 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, GRA, Benin.

    Conspicuous at the entrance of the one-storey building is an unveiled inauguration plaque, with the inscription: “Edo State Public Procurement Agency”.

    The building was commissioned by Obaseki’s predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole on December 16, 2014.

    A September 15 letter from the SSG directing Shaibu to relocate to the new office was received at the closing hours on September 18.

    Shaibu’s aides and the civil servants attached to his office had moved two weeks earlier, in line with the directive of the Edo Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa.

    On September 5, Shaibu withdrew his anti-impeachment suit, with reference number FHC/ABJ/CS/1027/2023, from the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

    But he appears determined to participate in the  September 2024 governorship election. Obaseki  is backing Asue Ighodalo, a lawyer from Esanland, Edo Central Senatorial District.

    Obaseki is from Edo South senatorial district while his deputy hails from Edo North senatorial district.

    But Shaibu has now apologised to his principal over their political differences.

    He spoke with reporters in his Benin City residence shortly after his investiture as the grand patron of the Catholic Men’s Organisation (CMO) of the Catholic Archdioceses of Benin.

    Urging Obaseki to forgive him for his shortcomings, Shaibu said: “We have resumed, there is no problem about it; the governor has asked us to go there.

    “Like I always tell people, I am a loyal servant; there is nothing that has changed. I took a personal vow to support the governor, and you can see my Catholic people are here. Everything about me, if I have a vow with God, there is nothing that will change it.”

  • Lockout: Obaseki, Shaibu exchange brickbats

    Lockout: Obaseki, Shaibu exchange brickbats

    ‘Inordinate ambition intoxicating deputy governor’

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu have engaged in exchange of tirades over the locking out of the former from the Government House in Benin, the state capital, on Monday.

    Shaibu urged the governor and his allies to say the truth always, especially about the lockout.

    The embattled deputy governor, through one of his aides, who spoke in confidence, said: “At last, the much-awaited letter from Governor Obaseki relocating the office of his deputy, Shaibu, out of the Government House, Benin City, came on Monday afternoon, shortly before official closing hours.  

    “The terse memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie, said he was directed by His Excellency, Governor Obaseki, to relocate the office of the Deputy Governor to 7, Osadebey Avenue, GRA, Benin City. 

    “Surprisingly, the letter, dated Friday, September 15, 2023 crawled, and finally got to the Office of Deputy Governor around the official closing hours on Monday, September 18, 2023. 

    “The letter was hurriedly written and pushed out in the afternoon of September 18, 2023 as a face-saving measure, following the embarrassment caused the government earlier in the day, when the deputy governor was locked out of his office at the Government House, Benin City, without official communication to him.”

    Shaibu also said the embarrassment was avoidable, if Obaseki and his allies had done the right thing.

    Read Also: Build parliamentary capacity to tackle insecurity, says clerk

    Also, some allies of Governor Obaseki, claiming to be stakeholders in Edo Central Senatorial District, have said Shaibu is being intoxicated by his inordinate ambition to become the next governor.

    In a statement last night by Obaseki’s Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, the governor’s allies claimed that Shaibu’s frustration was a decoy to make look like the victim of Obaseki’s persecution.

    Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, the Convener of Esan Advocates for Good Governance (EAFGG), Bartholomew Okoudo, said: “The people of Edo Central Senatorial District are calling on the Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, to exercise restraint and stop the incessant blackmail of the governor …in a bid to pressure the governor to yield to pressure to disregard the senatorial zoning arrangement to produce the next governor of the State.

    “His frequent tirade is to get the governor to endorse his candidacy for the governorship election holding next year. This is the singular reason he is employing different tricks to box the governor into a corner and extract a commitment.

    “Shaibu’s attempt to curry public sympathy is aimed at arm-twisting the governor. The frustration he is expressing is only a coy way to make it seem as if he is being victimised, but everyone knows he is intoxicated by his inordinate ambition.”