Edo 2024: I have been pressed but not crushed, persecuted but not abandoned — Edo Deputy Governor, Shaibu
By Elvis Omoregie, Benin
The Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu on Monday at the official announcement of his intention to contest the State governorship election in 2024, declared that he has been pressed but not crushed, persecuted but not abandoned.
Many political actors and stakeholders who were present at the rally believed the Deputy Governor was referring to his fallout with the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
Speaking, Shaibu said, “I am an original Edo son… 100 percent home boy.
“As your Deputy Governor in the last seven years, I have had the privilege of working closely with our amiable Governor, His Excellency Governor Godwin Obaseki, to lay a solid foundation for progress in Edo State.
“Under our administration, we have seen remarkable achievements and milestones, but there is still much work to be done.”
He said infrastructure, education, job creation, health, security, sports, amongst others, would be given priority if he is nominated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and voted to power.
Continuing, Shaibu disclosed that he delivered 49 constituency projects during his time at the State Assembly and 13 constituency projects within his short stint at the National Assembly.
According to him, “I am aware of the need by the greater Edo people for a more inclusive government. A government of individuals who have been there and know the pains and wishes of an average Edolite.
“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.
“And 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,” he added.
Shaibu and Obaseki had fallen out following the ambition of the former which is said to be against the wish of his boss. Although Shaibu had later tendered an apology to Obaseki, it is not certain he would be his choice to succeed him.
