Edo Decides '24

17/07/2025

PRESS BRIEFING BY RT. HON. COMRADE PHILIP SHAIBU

Director General, National Institute for Sports
Former Deputy Governor, Edo State

17th July, 2025

Members of the press, my beloved people of Edo State, fellow Nigerians, ladies and gentlemen.

Today, the 17th of July, 2025, marks exactly one year I was reinstated as the duly elected then-Deputy Governor of Edo State after months of what can only be described as one of the darkest chapters in our democratic history here in Edo.

It is said that democracy dies in darkness, but on that day, light returned to Edo State when the courts restored our mandate. This is not just a date on the calendar for me — it is a deeply significant day, a reminder of how fragile yet resilient our democracy can be when we, as citizens and public servants, choose to stand on the side of truth, justice, and the people.

Exactly one year ago, the judiciary of our great country rose to the occasion and reminded us that justice is not a privilege for a select few, but a right that belongs to all. The court declared my purported impeachment, orchestrated under the supervision of Mr. Godwin Obaseki, null, void, and of no effect. On that day, the scales of justice tilted back in favour of the people.

Sadly, what we saw was a clear example of how personal and selfish political interest can erode the very foundation of democracy. For me, it was not just about my office. It was about our institutions — the very institutions we swore to uphold, protect, and defend for the good of the people.

But allow me, if you will, to take you back briefly to those dark months that preceded that judgment.

What played out in Edo State during that time was not just about me, Philip Shaibu. It was about our collective future as a people. It was about how the instruments of government — the legislature, executive powers, and state resources — can be twisted, bent, and weaponised to serve personal and selfish political goals at the expense of the very people who entrusted us with their mandate.

We watched as the Legislature — the people’s House — was stripped of its independence, reduced to nothing more than a rubber stamp for the wishes of one man. The sacred instruments of accountability, which we swore to protect, were bastardised and used as tools for power play. The Legislature, which should be the beacon of checks and balances, shouldn’t be used as a weapon for vendetta and power play. No! The House that should reflect the will of the people shouldn’t be manipulated into rubber-stamping an illegal and undemocratic move, bastardising the instrument of impeachment for the pursuit of one man’s political goals.

That single act shook public trust to its core. I felt it in the markets, in churches, in our communities — the people’s faith in democracy wavered. For me personally, it was a time of deep pain. To see the trust of the people betrayed in such a brazen and cynical manner shook me to my core. To hear ordinary Edolites say to me, “If they can do this to you, what hope do we have?” broke my heart.

That, for me, was the greatest tragedy of that episode — not what I went through personally, but how it eroded public trust in our institutions and weakened the people’s faith in democracy itself. Ladies and gentlemen, these events were not just an attack on me, Philip Shaibu. They were an assault on the very idea of democracy in Edo State.

Democracy only works when we all play by the rules. It only works when no one is above the law, and when the will of the people remains supreme over personal interest. But what we witnessed was an attempt to trample on those rules, to suppress dissent, and to treat the democratic mandate as a personal inheritance rather than a sacred trust.

The significance of this day is therefore twofold.

First, it reminds us that no matter how long it takes, truth and justice will always prevail. Truth does not die. Justice may be delayed, but it can never be permanently denied.

Second, it challenges all of us — politicians, civil servants, citizens — to remain vigilant in defending our democracy. We must never allow our differences, rivalries, or interests to blind us to the greater good of the people we serve.

On this anniversary of my reinstatement, therefore, I want the people of Edo to know that their voices were not silenced, even when they tried to silence me. I am deeply grateful to the Nigerian judiciary. At a time when many had lost faith, the courts stood firm as the last hope of the common man. Your courage, independence, and fidelity to the truth restored not only my mandate but also the faith of millions of Nigerians in the rule of law.

I also want to thank my legal team, who fought tirelessly and professionally, leaving no stone unturned to ensure that justice was done.

To my family, and supporters, words cannot fully capture the depth of my gratitude. You stood by me, encouraged me, and kept the faith alive when the night seemed darkest. I am eternally grateful.

Finally, to those who orchestrated and executed this unconstitutional assault on democracy, I have only this to say: the lesson of this day is clear — no one is bigger than the law, and the will of the people cannot be silenced by intimidation or manipulation.

From this experience, I have learned that the price of leadership is sacrifice, and that the test of true leadership is not in how you wield power, but how you endure injustice with dignity and continue to serve selflessly, even in the face of adversity. I have also learned that democracy requires eternal vigilance. We must never allow personal interest to override the will of the people or to destroy the institutions we inherited. We must not allow our differences to blind us to our collective duty to preserve and strengthen our democracy.

As I reflect on this day, I reaffirm my unwavering commitment to serving the people and upholding democratic values — no matter the personal cost.

In the end, the lessons of this event must guide all of us to build institutions, not empires. We must strengthen trust, not breed fear. We must govern as servants of the people, not as masters of their destiny. We must build a democracy rooted in fairness, not fear; in service, not selfishness.

As I stand before you today, my resolve is even stronger. To continue to work for the people. To continue to speak up for justice. And to continue to believe in the dream of a better Edo, and a better Nigeria.

I dedicate this anniversary to every Nigerian who continues to fight for justice, to speak truth to power, and to believe in a better tomorrow.

May God bless the people of Edo State, may He bless our democracy, may He continue to guide us on the path of justice and truth, and may our democracy grow stronger and better.

Thank you very much.

20/03/2025

PRESS STATEMENT

RE: APC CHIEFTAIN, SHAIBU FAULTS TINUBU ON SUSPENSION OF GOV. FUBARA

Our attention has been drawn to a doctored video and an accompanying viral report falsely attributing statements to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the immediate-past Deputy Governor of Edo State, suggesting that he tackled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, over the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly.

This report is not only false, misleading, and a product of mischief, but it is also a desperate attempt by political detractors to drag His Excellency into non-existent controversies for their selfish agenda. We categorically state that at no time did His Excellency grant any interview, make any statement, or participate in any discussion concerning the current political developments in Rivers State.

It is public knowledge that Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu is a well-respected political figure who does not shy away from making his opinions known on national issues—when necessary—through reputable television stations, established newspapers, and other credible media platforms. His Excellency does not engage in baseless social media banter or lend his voice to fabricated narratives cooked up by desperate bloggers seeking to revive their failing careers.

We understand the obsession of some political elements who, having failed in their plot to undermine and infiltrate His Excellency’s political and personal affairs, have now resorted to desperate smear campaigns. These same elements are now using technology, including AI, to doctor videos and manufacture falsehoods to tarnish his image or sell their agenda.

It is no secret that ever since His Excellency left the PDP and moved on with his political career, some individuals, including the immediate-past Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, and former Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, have been relentless in their efforts to stalk and monitor his activities. From sending visitors under false pretenses to his private residence to eavesdropping on private conversations, their desperation knows no bounds. Having failed in their infiltration, they have now resorted to digital propaganda.

For the avoidance of doubt, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu holds President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the highest regard and has deep respect for his leadership. His Excellency believes that the President has, so far, been taking necessary steps within the limits of the law to protect the stability and unity of the federation. As a democrat and firm believer in constitutional governance, Shaibu remains committed to the rule of law and the principles of justice.

We, therefore, urge the general public to disregard this concocted report, which is nothing but a figment of the imagination of those behind it. His Excellency remains focused and will not be distracted by the antics of desperate politicians who have lost relevance.

Signed:
HPS Media Team
20th March, 2025

14/08/2024

In the last 8 years, Edo state's debt profile has drastically risen to ₦573 billion!

During Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s reign as Governor, monthly allocation from the federation account was between ₦3.1 billion and ₦3.3 billion for visible development, but today, the allocation is between ₦11.1 billion and nothing to show for it than mere renovation of already built infrastructures.

This outgoing government, in which Asue Ighodalo serves as the Chief Economic Adviser, only inherited about ₦43 billion debt from Lucky Igbinedion, Prof. Oserhiemen Osunbor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole's governments.

If I were Asue Ighodalo, I would not bother contesting the governorship election on the sponsorship of a failed government he serves as an economic adviser.

In my countryhome — Esanland, we were taught morals and anything bad or spoilt we don’t eat.

On September 21, 2024, which is just about a month from now, we will 'punish' them with our votes and polish Edo as it should be.

— SMO

01/06/2024

To many of us who are Christians, this month is the month of Good News — the month when that Great Announcement of our Lord Jesus Christ's birth was made.

As we journey through this beautiful month, I wish you all a sweet ride and I pray that that special announcement you have been waiting for or hoping to hear comes to you.

Have a successful month ahead.

— HPS

31/05/2024

04/02/2024

The Talismanic Maestro.

As the Yorubas would say, "Abinibi yato si ability" — Inborn is different to trying — Philip Shaibu is the man with the inborn capacity of a true leader. Across his political journey, he has been able to work hand in hand with every necessary stakeholder and has been more of a blessing to the less privileged.

Shaibu is a generous man, by nature, and far more trusting. Though the real world is risky territory for people with generosity of spirit, this has not changed Shaibu's attitude towards giving back to society.

His deeds from the School Days are not hidden from the record books, his involvement in all he has done has all come with positive reports. Shaibu has over the last twenty years demonstrated courage, capacity, consistency and calmness even in the face of storms.

Unlike those who decide to please people and deceive them with humility, they do not possess, the capacity they do not have, skills that are only drafted for them and moves that have benefited hugely from the loss of many, Philip Shaibu is that man who has things capacity, tenacity, ability, humility and love of the people as an inborn chip. He remains loyal to his course and never whithers like a seasonal tree — Shaibu is like the palm tree which reigns in every season.

Over the years, serving as a deputy governor, Philip Shaibu has become a Pathfinder for many Deputy Governors in the country by his way of being diligent in work and not shifting goalposts for personal gains.

His deeds as the deputy governor of Edo state are what many would envy ever becoming, yes, many would be, but unfortunately, they can't be the Pathfinder as he's the foundation layer which many would build.

As clearly seen by those not visually impaired and as heard by even the visually impaired, Philip is no doubt a Talismanic Maestro whose ways are studied and observed by the wise without making noise.

27/01/2024

Light is life and every man deserves it, just like our fundamental human right — The Right to Life.

Talking about light, if given the opportunity to serve, the issue of epileptic power supply will be dealt with in our state — many businesses are grounded and many artisans are finding it difficult to cope due to the unfortunate poor power supply.

It is possible to have a constant power supply in our state and in our bid to grow and keep our economy booming, we will tackle this issue together.

I'm Philip Shaibu, and I'm ready for the job!

26/01/2024

I believe in building infrastructures that will bring about development and economic growth.

As a State, it is time to think of EMPOWERMENT, ECONOMIC GROWTH and DEVELOPMENT.

In the government, we will empower both women and youth, leading to rapid economic growth and development.

I'm Philip Shaibu and I'm ready to serve!