By Raphael Okhiria
The Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization, has condemned the recent attack on the campaign vehicle of the deputy governor of Edo State, RT. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu in Ekpoma, Esan local government area of the state.
Chief Sunday Okumayin, in a press statement on behalf of the campaign organisation, said the assault was allegedly sponsored by an unnamed individuals affiliated with a PDP aspirant.
The statement reads: “The Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization is deeply troubled by the recent attack on the campaign vehicle belonging to our Principal, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, sponsored by individuals affiliated with a PDP aspirant which launched a violent assault on the vehicle, driven by the coordinator of the campaign in Esan West, Mr. Otoide Abas.
“The incident occurred shortly after Mr. Otoide concluded a productive meeting with Ward 10 (Illeh) PDP faithful. On his way to meet other supporters in Ekpoma, he made a quick stop at the local market square to purchase some beef barbecue (Suya).
“It was during this innocent moment that a white Hummer bus, labeled “Ameosa Motors,” suddenly appeared, where some heavily armed hoodlums numbering about seven emerged from it, creating fear and panic by shooting indiscriminately.
“Mr. Otoide reported that the same vehicle and occupants had earlier visited Illeh after the meeting, where they maliciously vandalized the chairs and canopies used for the gathering. The hoodlums then took their time to thoroughly destroy 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 said PDP aspirant to the Uchi Day celebration in Auchi last week.
“We find these acts of violence deeply disturbing and want to state categorically that Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and his campaign organization are committed to the well-being and progress of the people of Edo State.
“Unfortunately, there have been numerous attempts to hinder our campaign, such as the repeated vandalism of our billboards by state-sponsored thugs targeting Mr. Shaibu’s candidacy.
“Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State and a frontline contender in the Edo 2024 gubernatorial election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, remains undeterred by these malicious acts. He is determined to reclaim the state from business-oriented individuals whose priorities lie in personal gain, rather than the welfare of the people.”
Okumayin also called on the security agencies to look into the matter, adding that such an event weakens the democratic process in the state.
“We call upon the security agencies in the state to urgently 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 free their state from conniving capitalists masquerading as statesmen.
“The safety and security of all participants in the election must be ensured, and those responsible for these attacks must face the full force of the law.”
Efforts to get the official reaction of the Edo state police command, proved abortive as at press time but a source close to the public relations department of the command confided that the allegations were already being investigated.
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