Philip Shaibu
Jane Uyi Orobosa
The Akoko-Edo Youth Congress has warned erstwhile deputy governor, Philip Shaibu and the Etsako people in general to stop heating up the polity in Edo State.
The group in its first reaction to attempts by Shaibu to forcefully actualise the judgment of a Federal High Court, Abuja, which reinstated him, warned Shaibu and the people of Etsako to desist from actions that would continue to marginalise Akoko-Edo in the scheme of things in the state.
In a statement on Saturday by its Acting National President, Mr Precious Akande, the AYC said the recent impeachment of Philip Shaibu and the appointment of Omobayo Godwins by Governor Godwin Obaseki not only brought joy to the people of Akoko-Edo, it represented a historical shift as the first time Akoko-Edo has accessed political power in Edo State.
AYC argued that the emergence of Omobayo Godwins came to them as “addressing long-standing marginalization.”
It added that the noticeable Etsako negative reactions to the development “reflects their perceived loss of dominance.”
“The appointment of Omobayo Godwins represents a significant shift towards equitable representation and justice.
“In light of Shaibu’s attempts to challenge his impeachment and his ambiguous political stance, we urge him and all Etsako leaders to respect Akoko-Edo’s opportunity. True equity requires acknowledging the diverse aspirations within Afeimai and not monopolizing power.”
AYC then called on all citizens of Akoko-Edo to stand united at this present time behind Omobayo Godwins.
“We call on all Akoko-Edo citizens to stand united and protect this achievement. The era of exploitative relationships under the banner of Afeimai must end. Akoko-Edo must never again be marginalized or exploited.
“Let this message serve as a reminder that equity, justice, and true representation are essential for a fair and prosperous Edo State. Let this message serve also as a warning to all Etsako people that we the Akoko-Edo people have severed ourselves from your historical deceit and exploitation and we say “Enough is Enough”. We shall declare a Protest within the next two weeks if Philip Shaibu and the Etsako people continue to undermine our existence.”
