A group, Edo South Business Forum, has reacted to recent statements made by the Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, regarding the eligibility of individuals from the Edo diaspora for public office in the state.
During one of his recent public engagements, Shaibu had stated that only residents in Ed should be given leadership positions in the state.
According to him, Edo indigenes living outside the state are not familiar with the challenges on ground.
In a statement by the forum, signed by its president, Osazuwa Imafidon, the group said:
”Shaibu’s remarks not only betray a concerning lack of understanding but also demonstrate an alarming disregard for the significant contributions of Edo people outside our borders.
In his recent pronouncements, Deputy Governor Shaibu has advocated for a narrow and exclusionary view that only individuals residing in Benin should be considered for the governorship of Edo State.
This stance, which we find both regressive and insulting, seems to be an attempt to entrench incompetence in Government House by dismissing the invaluable experience and expertise of Edo indigenes who have excelled in various professional and commercial arenas across the globe.
”Shaibu’s insistence that only a Benin resident is fit to govern our state undermines the achievements of thousands of Edo people thriving in the diaspora and major commercial hubs like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Warri—our nation’s oil and gas capital.
”It is a gross misjudgment to suggest that living in Benin is a prerequisite for effective leadership. Such a view not only undermines the professional achievements and economic contributions of our diaspora but also reflects a troubling parochialism that could stymie progress in Edo State.
”The Deputy Governor’s stance rubbishes the significant impact that Edo people in the diaspora have made in their fields, from finance and industry to technology and entrepreneurship.
”His position disregards the potential for these accomplished individuals to bring innovative ideas, global perspectives, and much-needed reforms to our state’s governance.
”We call on Deputy Governor Shaibu to reconsider his narrow viewpoint and to acknowledge that leadership effectiveness is not confined to geographical boundaries.
”The real measure of a leader’s capability lies in their vision, competence, and ability to drive positive change, irrespective of their place of residence.”
The forum added that it firmly stands against any attempt to limit the pool of leadership talent ”based on outdated and exclusionary criteria.”
”We urge the Deputy Governor to adopt a more inclusive and progressive stance that recognizes the value of Edo people, wherever they may reside, in contributing to the advancement of our state,” the group stated.
Recall that a viral video recently surfaced showing a large group of members from the Etsako West chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) vehemently rejecting the return of Shaibu to the party.
The video captures a spirited protest where aggrieved members label Shaibu as a “serial betrayer” and voice their distrust in his loyalty and political integrity.
The protesters, holding placards with various inscriptions such as “Philip Shaibu, we don’t want you in APC,” “APC not home of political prostitutes,” “We don’t want crisis in APC,” and “You have no political value, Shaibu,” expressed their unanimous disapproval.
