Shaibu declares for Edo guber race, seeks support

Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, yesterday, declared his intention to contest the state 2024 governorship election under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Shaibu made the declaration at Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre in Benin City, a recreational facility owned and operated by the Catholic Archdiocese.

He said that as a home boy, who feels the pains of the people, he was aspiring to become the governor towards addressing the pains of the people.

According to him, he has worked with Governor Godwin Obaseki for seven years to lay the foundation for the development of the state.

He urged the people of the state to support him towards actualising his ambition of becoming the next governor of the state.

“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.

“My dear people of Edo State, this declaration is not just a political affair. It’s a call to destiny; a call to become the heartbeat of this nation, not just in words but in deed.

“Therefore, I humbly seek your support, your trust and nomination in this coming election, as we embark on this journey together; united in our determination to make Edo State a better place for ourselves and generations to come,” he said.

The event, which started as early as 8.30 a.m, later shifted to Airport Road, the location of Shaibu Campaign Organisation headquarters.

Meanwhile, another PDP governorship aspirant, Anslem Ojezua, has called for scholarships for medical students to discourage the brain drain syndrome.

Ojezua, who spoke to newsmen in Benin City, said beneficiaries of such scholarships should undertake to serve the state for a number of years after training.

He added: “The situation is really bad. We have to find a way to devise means of generating more medical personnel and encouraging them to stay. If we cannot offer them better conditions, at least we may be able to throw in some incentives by way of scholarships.”

Ojezua, a former state chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) decried the state of public health, vowing that he will make a change if given the opportunity to govern the state.