BENIN CITY – Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu has insisted that
the progress of the state cannot be put on reverse gear by anybody or group of persons. The Deputy Governor made the pronouncement when he received prospective decampees from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his office at the Government House, Monday.
Comrade Shaibu who observed that the group, made up chairmen and leaders from across the 13 wards in Ovia North East Local Government of the state was aligning with the state government at the time when there were political hiccups in the ruling APC meant that the progress of the Edo State cannot be put on reverse gear.
He stated that it was a pointer the fact that government does not reverse its policies against the backdrop of having people that understand what leadership entails.
Noting that Governor Godwin Obaseki brought into government his high cognate business experience into governance, taking the state from the civil service to industrial status has done a lot to transform the economic fortunes of the Edo State even as he appreciated the would-be defectors for aligning with the vision of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He assured that they would be given a rousing welcome with their teeming followers in their local government area at a later date for taking the bold step towards realigning with the progressive leadership of the APC in the state towards moving the state forward.
According to Shaibu, “Realigning with us is key as you are already family members”, adding that victory at the polls at Ovia North-East Local Government was sure due to the grassroots politics and the calibre of the team members led by Hon. Faustine Ovienrioba.
Leader of the team, Faustine Ovienrioba had ealier declared total support for the APC, stating that the forthcoming election would be a work over in view of the pedigree of the Governor. The issue of continuity he observed, was non negotiable due to the developmental strides of the APC government in the state.
He attested to the readiness of his members to work as a team towards ensuring success at the polls as he said, “We are only waiting for the nomination and election in the state and my local government in particular where we can assure of 80% success at the polls.”
APC Chairman, Ovia Noth-East Local Government, Mr. Etinosa Ighodaro said the swelling of the APC ranks in his local government was a welcome development based on the calibre of Faustine and other ward and youth leaders from the opposition party coming over to join the ruling APC.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Issues, Ms Efosa Uyigue stated that with the quality of people coming to identify with the party, it was crystal clear that people were willing to tally with Governor Obaseki at moving the state forward.
This stand by the people, she observed, would, “Help strengthen democracy. Without mincing words, there is going to be a tsunami on the day of declaration as party members.”
Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Monday Osaigbovo said citizens of Edo State were aware of the developmental strides brought into the state by Mr. Governor, hence the issue of continuity was non negotiable.
