By Seyi Babalola
Akin to the popular Emilokan campaign slogan adopted in 2022 by then presidential aspirant, Alhaji Bola Tinubu, the Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, has declared that it’s his turn to be governor of Edo State. Shaibu also said that his ambition to succeed his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, is borne out of a divine conviction to serve the State and take governance back to the people.
This is even as he expressed remorse over his choice of words against Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in time past, insisting that the former Governor, now Senator at the National Assembly, remains his father despite their political differences.
The Deputy Governor made the remarks while speaking live on a private television broadcast station in Lagos.
Shaibu, who shared his thoughts on a wide range of issues, including his political ambition, conflict between him and his boss, Governor Obaseki, governance, security, among other concerns, stated that his ambition to succeed Obaseki is driven by a divine cause to take Edo State to the next level.
“Yes, I want to be the next Governor of Edo State not because l am Philip Shaibu, it is my constitutional right. Before publicly declaring my interest to contest, l had consulted widely with many persons and groups within and outside Edo State. Moreover, l went into prayers to seek guidance and direction from God. The signs l received encouraged me to go ahead with my aspiration, though it was obvious the Governor had his own plans of supporting another person”, Shaibu stated.