FULL SPEECH: Obaseki’s Deputy, Philip Shaibu Declares for Edo Governorship Race

SPEECH DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. COMR. PHILIP SHAIBU, DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF EDO STATE ON THE OCCASION OF HIS DECLARATION OF INTENTION TO RUN FOR THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR OF EDO STATE.

27TH NOVEMBER, 2023

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.

A government, together, with the greater Edo people will reignite the Edo Spirit and transform our tomorrow!

Since my foray into politics three decades ago, I have lived among you and you have loved me as your very own son.

I have felt your pains at close quarters, sat with the elders to benefit from their words of wisdom, led the youth in many struggles for their rights, visibility and freedom, learned the intricacies of modern governance and