…As Betsy Obaseki Inaugurates Women Campaign Council in Edo North
As preparations for the 2023 general elections hot up, Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, in the company of the First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki and the Deputy Governor’s wife, Comrade Mrs. Maryann Philip-Shaibu stormed Edo North Senatorial District, Saturday to inaugurate the PDP Women Campaign Council.
The Campaign Council is charged with the mandate to canvass votes and mobilise support for the presidential candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his running mate, Senator lfeanyi Okowa and other flag bearers of the party in the various constituencies.
The Campaign Council was formally inaugurated at the DSP Event Hall, Jattu by the Head, of the State Women Campaign Council, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, supported by Comrade Mrs. Maryann Philip-Shaibu, wife of the Deputy Governor.
In her remarks, Mrs. Obaseki noted that the focus of the Council was to mobilise for PDP’s victory in the 2023 General Elections, as they have done in time past and most recently, the Edo 2020 Governorship Election while condemning votes buying.
The First Lady who extolled the Deputy Governor’s humility, transparency and accountability, affirmed: “My sister and I, wife of the Deputy Governor have chosen to work tirelessly for PDP because of the wealth of experience of Edo State Governor and his brother, the Deputy Governor”.
” I believe this will be replicated at the Presidency if they borrow their wealth of experience”.
Mrs Maryann Shaibu speaks
“The PDP at the national level adopted this Women Campaign Council strategy because they acknowledged what we did during Edo 2020 Governorship Election and we will not disappoint them”, she added.
In his remarks at the event, Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt.Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, also acknowledged the role played by the Chairperson and First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, and his wife, Maryann, in the build-up to the Edo 2020 Governorship Election.
He restated their resourcefulness and impact in ensuring that four women emerged to represent their interests at the State House of Assembly and one at the National Assembly.
He narrated how they have continued to advocate for more women’s representation in governance.
“As the time ticks for the 2023 General Elections, they will come with their usual lies and money to induce you, but you must remain firm and resolute in your decision to take back Nigeria from those who have taken us backwards and impoverished us by voting the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar and our brother, the vice presidential candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and all other PDP candidates in your constituencies”.
In her closing remarks, the wife of Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Mrs. Maryann Philip-Shaibu, while recounting the bond between her and the Edo North women said, ” we are different; we stand out; we are special; we are selected. We have been together even before the election and we know ourselves”.
“Another election is, here again, they will come with money and after the election, they will run away from you until another election. This time, you must reject them and their bad governance. As you have been Inaugurated, be ready like never before. Anyone that is not ready, including the candidates, must give way,” Maryann Philip-Shaibu, added.