Yemi Obafemi
The new deputy governor of Edo State, Omobayo Godwins, has promised to follow the state governor, Godwin Obaseki order.
The newly appointed deputy governor disclosed this in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today Programme on Monday.
Speaking on being satisfied with the role of a deputy governor being relegated to a “spare tyre”, the new deputy governor said, “It’s okay with me. Life is a process. At 37+, I am already a deputy governor. It has improved my political outlook, and I am not in a rush to drag with my governor.
“Whatever he says I should is what I will do. He knows my strength. So, I will dwell on my strength when it comes to adding value. Politically, I am learning on the job.”
Godwins was sworn in after the state assembly sacked Philip Shaibu for allegedly leaking the state government’s secrets.
According to him, been the deputy governor at 38 has has increased youth confidence and improved his political outlook.
He said: “My appointment has increased the confidence of the youth. Youths are very happy that it is big news for them.”
The 38-year-old former Labour Party House of Representatives candidate, said he wasn’t expecting to be the new deputy governor because he was to run for House of Reps in 2027 after losing in 2023.
However, he said the state’s chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party contacted him to be the new deputy governor.
“Becoming a deputy governor wasn’t expected. I was expecting to run for House of Reps in 2027 after losing in 2023. It is an act of God. I am happy about this and promise to be a model for Edo youths.”
“PDP contacted me to be the deputy governor to Obaseki. Although, I have been following him for a very long time. Even though I was in the Labour Party, I was willing to pitch a tent with the PDP because of him and Ighodalo,”Godwins added.
Speaking on the short term of his administration, he stressed that to his constituency, it is not about the period; it is about the number of impacts that he would make as the deputy governor.
He added that his becoming deputy governor, months before the expiration of the eight-year tenure of Obaseki, was part of the political permutations for Ighodalo to defeat his closest contenders like LP’s Olumide Akpata and Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress.
Reacting to Shaibu’s impeachment, he said, “That is politics for you. Your job, first of all, is to be loyal.”
