Some fans of Bendel Insurance FC of Benin City have applauded the state’s former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, for his contributions to sports development in the state, saying that he was instrumental to the resurgence of the Benin Arsenal in Nigerian football,
Shaibu was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly on Monday morning after a long political faceoff with Governor Godwin Obaseki. But someBendel Insurance’s fans feel the good work Shaibu did, particularly for the club and Edo Queens, as well as his general contributions to the welfare of sportsmen and women in the state should not be discarded.
Speaking with The Guardian, yesterday, Simon Ekathor, a supporter of Bendel Insurance FC, said that he would forever remain grateful to Shaibu for ensuring that “football came home to Edo State”.
“I won’t join those who are celebrating the impeachment of our Deputy Governor Phillip Shuaibu,” Ekathor said. “Rather, I will implore all well-meaning Edo indigenes to see the man (Shuaibu) as God sent to revive, not only Bendel Insurance, but also Edo Queens and other sports associations.
“I still remember the dark days in our sports, when the late Brown Ebewele and Chief Ekhosuehi were invited to the House of Assembly over the lingering crisis in Bendel Insurance FC. The crisis raged from the tenure of Prof. OserheimenOsunbor to that of Adams Oshiomhole.
“They did everything within their power to return Bendel Insurance FC to the good old days without success. But Shiabu came and within a short period, he used his political goodwill to revive the club. Today, Bendel Insurance FC is among the top football clubs in Nigeria and Africa. I am not trying to paint other politicians in bad light, but we must give credit to whom it is due,” Ekathor stated.
Another fan, Faith Osakpolor, said: “Philip Shuiabu will remain an exemplary personality in our state for his contributions to football and sports in general. He was key to the resurgence of Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens FC. He ensured that Edo State was the first to break the barrier in making sure that both male and female footballers get equal monthly salaries of N350,000. He brought in private partners to sponsor the clubs, and also unveiled new sets of jerseys for them before the commencement of every season.”
For Susan Adams, Shaibu should be commended for his doggedness in the battle to bring Bendel Insurance back to the mainstream of club football in Nigeria.
“I won’t forget how he fought for Bendel Insurance promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in 2018. The club was relegated again in the following season, and it was the same Philip Shaibu, who ensured our darling Benin Arsenal returned to the elite class within a short period.
“To be honest, Shaibu deserves some praise. He even signed for the club, andtrained with the players to encourage them. Shaibu played with Edo football team and won a gold medal for the state during the 20th National Sports Festival. He may be down politically today, but I see him rising in the nearest future,” Adams stated.
