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Samson Osagie, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State and former Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, shares his perspective on various issues, including the ongoing crisis between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, as well as the 2024 governorship election in the state.

Regarding the assessment of the Godwin Obaseki-led government’s performance in Edo State over the past seven years, Osagie expresses his opinion. He mentions that while some may view his assessment as biased due to his opposition party affiliation, he believes that the government has been more about making promises and engaging in showmanship than delivering tangible results. He acknowledges efforts in the education sector but questions their impact. He mentions the Ossiomo electricity project and criticizes the government’s handling of major infrastructure projects, including roads, erosion control, and educational facilities. Osagie asserts that the government’s performance falls short of the expectations of the people, giving it a rating of less than five out of ten. He also criticizes the government for its handling of the state’s House of Assembly, citing a lack of functionality during its first term, and accuses it of being intolerant of opposition views, which he sees as detrimental to democratic governance.

Regarding the state of federal roads in Edo State, and the fact that both the current governor and his predecessor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, have expressed concern about their neglect despite their party being in power at the center for several years, Osagie responds that he cannot answer for the government’s actions as he is not the Minister of Works and is not currently employed by the government, even though he is a party member. He mentions that there have been collaborations between states and the Federal Government on road infrastructure, but the current government has failed to intervene adequately. Osagie points out that Oshiomhole’s administration initiated some interventions on federal roads, and the current government received reimbursement from the Federal Government after he left office, implying that Oshiomhole did not abandon the roads, but the current government is making excuses.

Regarding the rift between the governor and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, Osagie characterizes it as karma rather than drama. He believes that the conflict between the two was predictable due to their selfish ambitions, arrogance, and power-hungry nature. Osagie suggests that their treatment of their predecessor, Oshiomhole, indicated their disloyalty and lack of humility, which has led to their current crisis. He refers to it as karma because he believes they did not appreciate the power entrusted to them by the people.

When asked about unconfirmed reports of the deputy governor’s desire to join the APC, Osagie responds that he is not the spokesperson for Oshiomhole, who is the party leader in Edo State. He acknowledges that politicians in Nigeria frequently switch parties, and if Oshiomhole made a statement about the deputy governor not being welcome, it must have been within a specific context. Osagie suggests that while it’s possible for Philip Shaibu to join the APC in the future, Oshiomhole’s initial reaction may be influenced by the actions of Shaibu and the governor towards him.

Kassim Afegbua, the former Commissioner for Information during Oshiomhole’s governorship, previously stated that even if Oshiomhole welcomed Shaibu into the APC, his supporters would not embrace him due to his actions against the former governor. When asked if he shares this sentiment, Osagie responds that it’s not unlikely. He explains that both individuals have demonstrated inordinate ambition and power-hungry tendencies. Given the way they began their administration with attacks against the political party that brought them to power, it was only a matter of time before disagreements and the current conflict emerged. He emphasizes that this situation doesn’t surprise him as he predicted it would happen.

Regarding the rift between the governor and deputy governor being linked to the 2024 election and the deputy governor’s legal action to prevent an alleged impeachment, Osagie refrains from making a judgment, as he is not their legal adviser. He points out that this is the first time in the history of governance in Edo State that a deputy governor has sued a governor to prevent removal and the first time a deputy governor has been relocated from their office. He believes this reflects the level of intolerance among those in power in Edo State. Osagie expresses that both individuals seem more focused on their personal interests and retaining power rather than the well-being of the people or the state’s development.

Regarding the absence of intervention by elders and statesmen in the state, Osagie suggests that interventions might be happening behind the scenes and not necessarily in the public eye.

On the argument that someone who has been deputy governor for eight years still aspires to be governor, Osagie points out that there is no law prohibiting a deputy governor from aspiring to be a governor. He cites examples of other deputy governors who have gone on to become governors in different states. He believes that it’s within the rights of a deputy governor to aspire to be a governor, but whether political factors and party dynamics would permit it is a separate matter.
The next governorship election is 2024 and actors within the PDP seem to be getting set, what’s happening in your party, or is it true that Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, your party’s candidate in the last election, is on standby?

You cannot expect that our party, the APC, that won the presidency in the last election will stand aloof. But let me even tell you that come 2024, the APC will win the Edo State governorship election. That is as sure as death, and you can take my word to the bank. There is nothing for this administration to show that its party deserves to come back. So, the APC will win the 2024 governorship election. The only thing I cannot tell you at the moment is who the candidate will be. As at the last count, there were over 30 persons on the platform of the APC that want to be governor of Edo State. It is within their individual rights to so do. At the appropriate time, primary will be conducted, and the candidate that emerges will become the next governor of Edo State. That is very certain, and the APC will not leave any stone unturned to democratically win that election.

Are you among the 30 aspirants?
Regarding his political aspirations, Osagie states that he is currently consulting and hasn’t officially declared his interest, but he intends to participate either as a contestant or an active participant in the governorship election. He emphasizes the importance of showing interest in who governs the state. However, he hasn’t declared his candidacy yet.

When asked about the difficulty of defeating the governing party, Osagie argues that it’s not difficult and cites examples of incumbents losing elections in different states, including governors who couldn’t win their senatorial bids. He also points out that the current governor is not running for re-election and suggests that whoever he anoints as a candidate may face resistance from the people.

Regarding the ongoing dispute between Oshiomhole and Obaseki, Osagie believes that there is nothing to resolve since they are no longer in the same political party.

Regarding the bicameral legislature in Nigeria and concerns about its cost, Osagie defends the necessity of having a bicameral legislature due to the country’s diversity and heterogeneity. He argues that proportional representation is crucial for every part of the country to feel adequately represented. He also highlights that the cost of running the National Assembly is relatively small compared to the misappropriation of funds by some government officials in the bureaucracy.

Regarding the failure of state Houses of Assembly to hold governors accountable, Osagie attributes this to the overarching influence of governors, preventing state assemblies from performing their responsibilities. He mentions that governors often act as if they are emperors and intimidate lawmakers into submission. He believes that strengthening state assemblies is essential for them to fulfill their constitutional duties and resist the dominance of governors.