By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
The Edo State Deputy governor has declared his intention to contest the forthcoming 2024 governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo state.
The deputy governor made his declaration at the Bishop kelly Pastoral Centre along airport road in Benin City.
Shaibu said as home boy of the state who had feel the pains of the people, he is poised to develop the state. He said he is unstopable in the forthcoming 2024 election.
He said he has worked with governor Godwin Obaseki in the last seven years to lay the foundation for the development of Edo state. He called on the people to support him in actualizing his ambition of becoming the next governor of the state.
Shaibu further said, “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 under the platform of the “Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming 2024 election and I am confident that with your support, we can take Edo State to even greater heights.
“My fellow citizens and party faithful, our campaign will be built upon five core pillars, each vital to the transformation and prosperity of our beloved state.”
My fellow citizens, comrades and party faithful, these five pillars of our agenda, among others, represent the values and priorities that we hold dear as Edolites. They represent our commitment to building a prosperous, inclusive, and viable future for all.
” I have fought the good fight for you my people, Along the way, 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% home boy.”
He said, 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 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming 2024 election and I am confident that with your support, we can take Edo State to even greater heights.”
To our traditional rulers and religious leaders, we acknowledge your place in the development of our state and we would ensure that under our watch, our ancestral heritage is promoted & preserved.
Therefore, it is time for us to rise above partisanship, sentiments and unite under the banner of progress and development. Let us all come together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.” He concluded.
Shaibu who later left the declaration venue to commission his campaign office on 175 airport road Benin city.
Part of the speech reads:
My dear citizens of Edo State,
We come from a lineage of greatness!
Our ancestors built the “Old Bini Empire” on bold ideas, breath-taking innovations and matchless diligence.
From the “Great Moat of Benin” to the world-famous “Benin Bronze Works”, our ancestors dominated their times, led the Nigerian dream from the front and created novel frontiers for the future.
When Edo State was created in 1991, our brilliant leaders, fully aware of our ancestral destiny named us “The Heart Beat of The Nation”.
That was not an ordinary slogan. It was a call to destiny…mandate that we must collectively achieve.
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.
I am aware of the need by the greater Edo people for a more inclusive government, a government of the Edo people, by the Edo people, and for the Edo people. A government of individuals who have been there and know the pains and wishes of an average Edolite.