Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has expressed his commitment to returning governance to the people of Edo, emphasizing his focus on inclusive policies and partnerships with various segments of society, including the media.
During his annual meeting with media practitioners in Benin, Shaibu revealed his aspirations to contest the governorship in 2024, driven by a deep-seated desire to prioritize the welfare of the people. He underscored the importance of enabling civil servants, including journalists, to have access to affordable housing, particularly as they approach retirement.
Shaibu articulated, “We need to bring governance back to the people. This spurred my desire to vie for the governorship in 2024. We are taking our state back and we are returning government to our people. We want to return back to what it is, the downtrodden and the real Edo people must feel government, and that is why I am contesting this election.”
He further emphasized the need to address housing concerns, stating, “By the grace of God, as governor of Edo State next year, I will make sure that housing is available for all of us in the NUJ. I discovered also that the majority of our civil servants and public servants, when retirement is getting close, start facing challenges related to housing. Therefore, as NUJ, we will partner to ensure that housing is both available and affordable for you.”
Shaibu’s vision extends beyond personal ambition as he expressed his conviction that his pursuit of governance restructuring is divinely ordained. He emphasized that his advocacy for the people is driven by a sense of divine mandate, fostering a tangible connection with the plight of the citizens.
This stance marks a departure from traditional political elitism, with Shaibu affirming, “We are taking it from the elite and back to the downtrodden because the truth is that the government is for all of us. We want to return back to what it is, the downtrodden and the real Edo people must feel government, and that is why I am contesting this election.”
Shaibu’s unwavering commitment to grassroots empowerment and accessibility portrays a unique approach to governance, positioning him as a formidable advocate for transformative leadership in Edo State. His pledge to forge strategic alliances, such as the proposed collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, underscores his determination to foster partnerships for sustainable development.
