Five days after the Edo State House of Assembly issued an impeachment notice against the state's Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, hundreds of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in Edo North senatorial district staged a peaceful protest to condemn the lawmakers' decision to impeach the deputy governor.
Allnews.ng gathered that the demonstrators included supporters, grassroots mobilizers, lovers, and admirers of the embattled Edo State deputy governor.
The demonstrators, who came to the streets in the early hours of Sunday morning, March 10, 2024, said that the allegations used by MPs to issue an impeachment notice against the deputy governor were not only frivolous but also politically motivated.
Allnews.ng had reported that Shaibu has come under fire for aspiring to succeed his boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Against all odds, Shaibu was declared the party's nominee in a parallel governorship primary held on February 22 by delegates from all 18 local governments.
The demonstrators, led by the Edo North PDP Rescue Movement (ENREM), gathered with placards at the popular Jattu Junction in Etsako West Local Government early Sunday and marched through the area's major streets.
The protesters carried placards bearing various inscriptions such as “We say no to the impeachment of Philip Shaibu,” “We say no to the persecution of Philip Shaibu,” “Shaibu should be rewarded for his loyalty, not persecuted,” “The silence of the PDP National Working Committee is suspicious, speak out now,” and “Give peace a chance,” among others.
Hon Festus Owu, the protesters' spokesperson, accused those pushing for impeachment of previously benefited from Philip Shaibu's generosity and kindness.
Owu slammed Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki's involvement in the impeachment procedures, reminding him of Shaibu's inherent and fundamental right to declare his wish to be elected governor of the state.
He emphasised that any party seeking to win elections should prioritise cohesion and addressing internal conflicts over worsening them.
"Every citizen has the right to run for office, and Philip Shaibu has shown an interest in running for Edo State governor. Anyone who opposes this is purposefully returning the state to the era of godfatherism."
Owu stated that Governor Obaseki said a few years ago that anyone, including himself, should be stoned if they tried to become a godfather in the state.
He added that considering the political climate in the state and the expected impeachment of the deputy governor, Governor Obaseki will not be stoned but will instead be tormented by his guilt.
Owu warned the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, not to become a puppet or rubber stamp Speaker in the hands of "enemies of our state" who do not have the people's best interests in mind.
The spokesperson also chastised the leadership of the PDP National Working Committee, calling their silence suspicious, unacceptable, and an admission of their role in the ongoing impeachment plot. He saw it as a sign of leadership failure and encouraged the party to take the necessary steps to avoid the party's imminent demise.
“If you tell a man not to farm in your farmland, it does not mean he will not farm that year.” What the state needs now, more than ever, is peace.
“All stakeholders should collaborate with the Governor and the Deputy to ensure peace in the state and collectively mobilize support across the state to win the forthcoming September 21 governorship election.
“We urge the Edo State House of Assembly to focus on providing good legislative governance for the Edo people they represent, rather than engaging in fruitless ventures of impeachment that do not benefit the hungry Edo people suffering from the effects of bad governance and poor representation in the state.
“We implore the Speaker of the State House Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, to heed the voice of reason and work in the interest of Afemai, his own people, who elected him to represent their interests,” he added.
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