The Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization strongly condemns a recent assault on Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu’s campaign vehicle in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The organization alleges that individuals sponsored by a PDP aspirant orchestrated a violent attack on the vehicle, which was being driven by Mr. Otoide Abas, the Coordinator of the campaign in Esan West.
In a statement released on Monday and endorsed by Chief Sunday Okumayin, the organization revealed that the incident unfolded shortly after Mr. Otoide concluded a productive meeting with PDP supporters from Ward 10 (Illeh). While on his way to meet other supporters in Ekpoma, Mr. Otoide made a brief stop at the local market square to purchase some beef barbecue (Suya). It was during this seemingly routine moment that a white Toyota bus, labeled “Ameosa Motors,” suddenly appeared, unleashing about seven heavily armed hoodlums who incited fear and panic by firing shots indiscriminately.
According to the statement, Mr. Otoide reported that the same vehicle and occupants had previously visited Illeh after the meeting, where they maliciously vandalized the chairs and canopies used for the gathering. The hoodlums then proceeded to extensively damage the Philip Shaibu Campaign vehicle, firing multiple shots at it while Mr. Otoide and others sought safety.
Investigations have uncovered that the bus used by the assailants was the same one that transported thugs accompanying the mentioned PDP aspirant to the Uchi Day celebration in Auchi last week.
Expressing deep concern about these acts of violence, the organization affirmed that Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and his campaign team are devoted to the well-being and progress of the people of Edo State. Despite numerous attempts to obstruct the campaign, including the repeated vandalism of billboards by state-sponsored thugs targeting Mr. Shaibu’s candidacy, the organization remains undeterred.
Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State and a prominent contender in the Edo 2024 gubernatorial election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), remains steadfast in his commitment to reclaim the state from individuals whose priorities prioritize personal gain over the welfare of the people.
The organization urgently calls upon the state’s security agencies to promptly address these distressing events and compel the government to rein in their agents. Such violence not only undermines the democratic process but also betrays the peaceful people of Edo State, who have chosen to participate in a democratic election to liberate their state from conniving capitalists masquerading as statesmen. Ensuring the safety and security of all participants in the election is paramount, and those responsible for these attacks must face the full force of the law.
Presently, the Coordinator of the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization in Esan West Local Government Area is providing his statement at the Ekpoma Police station, while the campaign vehicle is being held as evidence.
