Embattled Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki says expressed optimism that he will be returning to power as first man of the state because “power comes from God.”
The governor who disclosed this on Wednesday, in an interview on Channels Television breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily, noted that he is a man of peace, not an violent person.
“I am not a violent person. But I am confident that the way I got into power is the same way I will return.
“God gave me power. If he wants me to return I will continue. No man can stop me. Power comes from God,” he said.
Speaking concerning violence during the election, Obaseki said he has always canvassed for peace and believes election should not lead to bloodshed.
The governor who also spoke concerning the political rift within his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo State, stated that he is not distracted, adding that his focus is on developing Edo State.
“We have always canvassed for peace. What are the issues in Edo and what are the issues that cannot be resolved in a democracy. Our concern is to use the resources of the people to develop the state.
“This shouldn’t lead to bloodshed. We will not accept to be cowed and intimidated because some people think that they can manipulate rules and cut corners,” he added.
When asked if it’s not the resources of the people of Edo State that was used for him to become the governor, Obaseki said, “I have friends with resources. I worked for eight years behind the scene before I became governor.
“So all that insinuations about using somebody’s resources…I became Governor on the platform of the party and I am grateful for it.”
He expressed confidence that the rule of law will prevail in the forthcoming Edo State election because he is sure that Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari believes in the rule of law and will allow things to be done openly.
Obaseki further noted that he is not in contest with anyone, stressing that he is confident of victory.
“It does not matter whether it is direct or indirect (primaries), I will win,” he said.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling APC, currently led by the National Chairman of the party and former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole had earlier on May 22 announced its decision to adopt direct primary for the coming governorship primaries in Edo State scheduled to hold on June 22.
However, in a surprising move, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a former Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG), has reportedly emerged the Edo state governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) through an concensus arrangement.
According to The Nation, the Pastor of Redeeemed Christian Church of God(RCCG) was presented by chairman of the screening committee, Senator Francis Alimikhena, the representative of Edo North Senatorial District.
Other members of the screening committee were a former Edo Deputy Governor, Lucky Imasuen; Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe; ex-Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Thomas Okosun; former Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Samson Osagie; ex-member of the House of Representatives, Patrick Obahiagbon and the current Deputy Leader of the House of Representatives, Peter Akpatason.
