Large crowd of supporters of the embattled Edo State deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, mainly from his Etsako West local government area of the state, yesterday, held a peaceful protest against the Edo State House of Assembly over plots to commence the impeachment move against the deputy governor.
Recall that Shaibu has been at the receiving end following his move to succeed his boss in office, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Shaibu had won a parallel primary held on February 22. But the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national leadership recognised Dr Asue Ighodalo as its candidate having won the primaries it conducted in the state.
However, the peaceful protesters under the aegis of Edo North PDP Rescue Movement, ENREM, first converged at the popular Jattu Junction, Etsako West LG with placards in the early hours of the day.
They later marched round the major streets in Etsako West LGA before converging at the popular Jattu Junction where they addressed the press.
The protesters carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “We Say No Impeachment, No To Impeachment of Philip Shaibu and Shaibu should be Rewarded for his loyalty among others.
The protesters advised the Edo State House of Assembly to focus on providing good legislative governance for Edo people which they represent, rather than engage in fruitless ventures of impeachment that brings no food to the table of hungary Edo people who suffer the brunt of bad governance and poor representation in the State.
They particularly reminded the Speaker of the State House Assembly, Rt. Hon Blessing Agbebaku to listen to the voice of reason rather than work against the interest of Afemai, his own people who elected him to represent their interest.
Leader of the protesters, Hon Festus Owu while addressing the media accused those behind the said Impeachment as those who in the past benefited from the good gesture and kindness of Philip Shaibu.
He condemned the roles of Edo State Governor, His Excellency Mr. Godwin Obaseki in the said impeachment, reminding him of the inalienable and fundamental rights of Shaibu to express his desire to be elected governor of the State.
He said: “Any party that wants to win an election must believe in coherence, must believe in resolving the problem facing them and not exacerbate it. Every man has the right to contest an election, Philip Shaibu has expressed his willingness to contest to be Edo State Governor and anyone stopping it is deliberately returning the State to the era of godfatherism”.
He reminded the Governor of his statement made few years ago that anybody, including himself should be stoned whenever he makes attempt to become a godfather in the State.
He also told Agbebaku not to become a puppet and rubber stamp Speaker in the hands of enemies of the State who do not mean well for the people.
