Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, has boldly declared his intention to run for governor in the 2024 election, driven by a profound desire to transform Edo State into a model of sustainable development and prosperity.
Shaibu at a media parley with the Edo State Journalists Forum in Abuja on Saturday, believed his experience, capacity, and knowledge make him the best candidate to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is concluding his second term in office next year.
Addressing concerns about the perceived convention or agreement on zoning in Edo State, he emphasized the importance of competent leadership that can promptly address the needs of the people without resorting to experimental governance.
“Edo people are in dire need of practical governance, and we cannot afford to experiment again with someone who does not understand the politics and needs of Edo State,” he said.
Quest Times further learned that the governorship aspirant stressed the need for projects to be implemented based on genuine needs assessment, advocating for experienced leadership that is capable of immediate action without the burden of a learning curve.
He said, “Everywhere, including the international scene, people are clamouring that governments should not be pushing projects that are not needed. So, we need to do Needs assessment. You cannot know the needs of the people when you don’t live with them. For me, competence and experience should be the watchword. Who is competent, more experienced and who will hit the ground running from day one if he becomes Governor? Are we going to experiment with a new person again and the person will spend the first four years learning on the job and the next four years trying to embezzle and set up businesses in the name of consolidating on his first term?”
Also, he dismissed claims that his aspiration to succeed Governor Obaseki is driven by personal ambition, asserting that the collective destinies of the people are interconnected and transcend individual ambitions.
For him, his extensive experience, capacity, and knowledge set him apart from other contenders aiming to succeed Obaseki.
Speaking on the issue of zoning in Edo Central Senatorial District, Shaibu highlighted the historical pattern of governorship distribution in the state and emphasized the need for equitable and fair representation, rather than succumbing to ethnic or religious sentiments.
Despite reported differences with Governor Obaseki, Shaibu expressed his commitment to pursuing his ambitions within the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, stressing the party’s alignment with his aspirations.
Shaibu in what appeared to be a subtle contrast with Obaseki’s banking background, underlined his focus on practical and community-oriented initiatives, distancing himself from traditional banking practices and highlighting his contributions to community development.
While highlighting his intention to prioritize the genuine needs of the populace over personal gain, he emphasized his grassroots approach and commitment to the welfare of the people.