Hundreds of members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo North senatorial district, joined by supporters, grassroots mobilizers, as well as admirers of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, convened for a peaceful demonstration.
The purpose of their assembly was to vehemently oppose what they perceive as a concerted effort by the state’s lawmakers to impeach Shaibu.
The uproar follows closely on the heels of the Edo State House of Assembly’s issuance of an impeachment notice against Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, an action that has stirred a hornet’s nest of controversy and prompted widespread condemnation from various quarters.
The protesters, under the banner of the Edo North PDP Rescue Movement (ENREM), convened at the crack of dawn on Sunday, March 10, 2024, congregating at the prominent Jattu Junction in Etsako West Local Government Area.
Armed with placards bearing impassioned messages, they embarked on a march through the principal thoroughfares of the locality, their voices ringing out in unison against what they perceive as an unjust and politically motivated assault on Shaibu’s integrity.
The grievances of the protesters were multifaceted, as they vehemently contested the legitimacy and motivations behind the allegations levied by the lawmakers to justify Shaibu’s impeachment.
They asserted that the purported grounds for impeachment were not only flimsy but also tainted by political machinations aimed at undermining Shaibu’s aspirations and tarnishing his reputation.
The timing of the impeachment proceedings, they argued, was suspect, particularly in light of Shaibu’s recent declaration of intent to contest the gubernatorial elections, a move that has undoubtedly ruffled feathers within political circles.
The demonstrators brandished a plethora of placards emblazoned with poignant slogans such as “We say no to the impeachment of Philip Shaibu,” “Shaibu should be rewarded for his loyalty, not persecuted,” and “Give peace a chance,” among others, each message encapsulating the fervor and determination of the gathering to defend Shaibu’s honor and preserve his right to pursue his political ambitions unhindered.
In a poignant address to the press, Honorable Festus Owu, acting as the spokesperson for the protesters, minced no words as he denounced what he perceived as a blatant abuse of power orchestrated by those orchestrating Shaibu’s impeachment.
Owu, in his impassioned speech, castigated Governor Godwin Obaseki for his alleged complicity in the impeachment proceedings, urging him to honor Shaibu’s fundamental rights and desist from engaging in acts of political persecution.
Furthermore, Owu admonished the leadership of the PDP National Working Committee for their conspicuous silence in the face of the unfolding crisis, admonishing them for what he perceived as a dereliction of duty.
He implored the party’s hierarchy to take decisive action to quell the growing discord and prevent the fracturing of the party’s unity.
Drawing upon historical parallels and invoking the collective wisdom of the masses, Owu urged all stakeholders to prioritize peace and unity above all else, cautioning against the perils of succumbing to divisive rhetoric and political maneuvering.
He implored the Edo State House of Assembly to refocus its energies on serving the interests of the people rather than squandering valuable resources on futile pursuits.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the bustling streets of Etsako West, the echoes of the protesters’ voices reverberated through the air, a poignant reminder of the enduring resilience and unwavering resolve of the people in the face of adversity.
Their message was clear: they would not idly stand by as injustice reared its head, but would instead stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of truth, justice, and the sanctity of democratic principles.
