From Moshood Olawale Karim
The Edo State Deputy Governor, Philips Shaibu has revealed that his love to make a positive difference in the lives of Edo people by building strong Institutions is the reason he ventured into politics.
He stated this at the inauguration of the secretariat of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Edo State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Benin on Tuesday.
He said: “For me, Edo should be one, Edo at every time should be paramount in our minds. I am determined to make what it ought to be and I am determined to make sure that good governance is seen, felt, and touched.
“I am also determined to make sure that in all things, Edo must be first and I am determined to strengthen institutions.
“I came into politics because I feel that we should have an egalitarian society; I came into politics to make institutions strong because that is the only way we can have that society of our dreams.
“When institutions are strong, you deal with those guys that think they are powerful, moderate their excesses, and also promote and help the weak, in the society.
“Institution does not know the rich, strong, and the poor, it takes care of all strata of life. That is what I am standing for, that is my calling to join politics. That is why I have sacrificed a lot of things to make sure the institution called Edo works.
“I even sacrificed my entitlement to make sure this institution works and in the coming weeks, I will give a stewardship of what I have done as deputy governor from 2016 to date.”
The Deputy Governor gifted the Correspondent’s Chapel a one-year bill of #1.2m for the new office space. He said the denial of allowances to his office couldn’t allow him to do more.
“You know there is tension between the governor and I. For six months, no allocation to my office. Whatever I am doing is contributions from friends and my goodwill.” He said
The Deputy Governor revealed that he will soon call for a press conference to brief the world on his achievement in office.
“I will catalog it to things I am entitled that I had to forfeit for peace and tranquillity and I will also catalog some of the things that I have been asked to do as deputy governor and I have done them credibly well.
“Very soon, there is going to be a world press conference to give an overview of my stewardship as deputy governor.
“Don’t forget, when we are contesting this election before the general election I am an aspirant and immediately after the election, I am now the deputy governor of Ed state.
“My duties are to Edo state people, so you will be amazed that my loyalty is not purchased but genuine, real to Edo people and to make institutions strong. By the time I am done, Edo will have seen the level of sacrifices that some of us have in Edo State.”
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Chapter, Comrade Festus Alenkhe while congratulating members of the Chapel on the acquisition of the new office noted that NUJ is the umbrella body of all the Chapels operating in the State and any Chapel that choose to have their office anywhere in Edo State is free to do so.
Comrade Alenkhe later donated #100,000 on behalf of the Council to support the Chapel.
During her welcome speech, the Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Nefishetu Yakubu, stated that the decision to acquire the secretariat was based on the need for a more comfortable and conducive environment for the members of the Chapel.
She explained that the previous office space was becoming increasingly cramped and noisy, making it difficult for members to carry out their duties effectively.
Comrade Yakubu emphasized that the new secretariat is not intended to replace the NUJ Press Center but rather to complement it. She explained that while the NUJ Press Center will continue to serve as the primary hub for media activities in the area, the new secretariat will provide members with additional space for meetings, training, and other professional activities. She also noted that the new secretariat will be equipped with modern facilities to enhance the productivity of the members.
“Our Correspondents Chapel, a proud child of the Edo State Council of the NUJ under the leadership of Comrade Festus Alenkhe, has embarked on a remarkable journey to this new Secretariat.
“The decision to move was fueled by the need for a more spacious and serene environment, especially for our members who are duly accredited journalists working in national newspapers with head offices outside Edo state.
“Our new Secretariat is not an alternative to the NUJ Press Center, which is home to all Journalists. It merely symbolizes our commitment to providing a comfortable and productive workspace for members. It’s a testament to our unwavering dedication to the principles of journalism and the pursuit of excellence.”
