The Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization has strongly denounced a recent attack on its leader’s campaign vehicle, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The organization has raised allegations that individuals sponsored by a PDP aspirant carried out a violent assault on the vehicle, driven by the Coordinator of the campaign in Esan West, Mr. Otoide Abas.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by Chief Sunday Okumayin, the organization disclosed that the incident transpired shortly after Mr. Otoide concluded a productive meeting with Ward 10 (Illeh) PDP supporters. While en route 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 created fear and panic by indiscriminately firing shots.
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 revealed 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 committed 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 leading 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 address these distressing events promptly 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.
