The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, expressed his dismay and warned against the destruction of his campaign billboards, describing such acts as detrimental to the democratic process.
Inspecting one of the dismantled billboards on Lagos Street on Monday, Shaibu, visibly angered by the situation, emphasized the negative impact of such destruction on democracy.
He urged those involved to refrain from such actions, highlighting that the Edo people would ultimately decide the state’s next governor.
The deputy governor revealed that his campaign billboards were dismantled on two separate occasions at the same location, specifically around Ring Road on Lagos Street.
Expressing frustration, Shaibu mentioned that he had secured all the spots for his campaign billboards since June 2023 and was disturbed by the repeated destruction.
In his statement, Shaibu outlined his proactive planning, stating, “I am a man who plans ahead in whatever I want to do. I paid and secured all of the spots across the state, and signed an MoU with the owners and paid fully.”
He expressed concern about the potential consequences of such actions on private investors, emphasizing the need for careful consideration by both the government and individuals.
Shaibu announced the immediate replacement of the billboard and hoped for it not to be tampered with again.
Stressing the importance of maintaining peace in the state, the deputy governor issued a stern warning, saying, “We have been patient enough; they must not provoke us. Our patience must not be taken for granted. Edo is a peaceful state. We must allow peace to prevail before, during, and after the election.”
