By Ayonote Williams
An old man once said that those who are stabbed from behind don’t die from the wound, what kills them is the knowledge that it is their friend, associate or colleague who drove the knife into their body. And that is what is common with betrayals. More often than not, it comes from a known face and not a stranger. And in no other enterprise is betrayal more of profound than in politics.
Today, Edo State is bursting with all kinds of political elements who are ready to reap where they have not sowed because some people have agreed to betray their friends, colleagues and associates. Of course betrayal is not a particularly new thing. Judas Iscariot became famous for betraying Jesus Christ, his Master. Expectedly, all such acts have their just rewards both here and the after.
Interestingly, there’s a man who has demonstrated that he values principles than the reward of compromise and opportunism. That man is the current Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu.
Comrade Shaibu stands out for a principled sacrifice that speaks volumes about his commitment to genuine representation and democratic values. Driven by his disdain for oppression, Shaibu took a significant step by relinquishing approximately 20% of his political capital and influence in Edo North just to throw his support behind Godwin Obaseki in the upheaval that heralded the Edo 2020 governorship elections.
This courageous choice, however, came at a price – a strained relationship with the influential father- figure, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
Despite being a deputy governor without direct financial authority, and ability to dispense favour at will, Shaibu harnessed his extensive network to drive and channel support for Obaseki’s second term bid. Every resource at his disposal, from vehicles to finances, became instrumental in fortifying Obaseki’s position.
Needless to say that Shaibu played a pivotal role in securing the PDP ticket, contributing not just ideologically but also political structure—a testament to the depth of his dedication to Obaseki’s cause.
However, today in a twist of fate, Obaseki seems to have forgotten too soon that the godfatherism they collectively opposed, which earned him a second term bid, is what he is attempting to reintroduce and impose upon the people of Edo State. Of course, Edo will resist any attempt to impose a complete stranger on its people through intimidation and threats in the name of godfatherism.
As the PDP primaries approach, Shaibu passionately implores party delegates to rise above partisan interests and prioritize values such as integrity, competence, and a proven track record. In doing so. He urges them to resist any attempts at intimidation from Obaseki and firmly reject the imposition of his favored candidate upon the party.
Philip Shaibu stands as a beacon of hope, ready to serve with the explicit goal of restoring the lost glory and dismantling the newly emerged godfather in Edo State. His commitment extends beyond mere rhetoric; he envisions a governance structure that returns power to the people through practical leadership, unwavering adherence to true democratic principles, and a steadfast championing of transparency and accountability.
The upcoming PDP primary election, according to Shaibu, should not merely be a political exercise but a profound testament to the delegate’s commitment to a democratic process free from undue influence. By voting based on principles rather than coercion, the people of Edo State, in particular the Peoples Democratic Party, have a unique opportunity to reshape their political landscape and usher in an era of genuine representation—a beacon of hope in a political environment often clouded by compromise.
— Ayonote Williams writes from Abuja
