By Hillary Asemota in Benin City
In what political observers described as a test of his growing popularity across the country, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo in a deft move on Saturday stormed Edo State ahead of his party’s convention slated for the tail end of February.
Recall the ‘Edo No bi Lagos’ slogan saw APC godfathers fell like a pack of cards at the last governorship election throwing up the incumbent Governor, Governor Obaseki, consolidating holds in the state on the crest of the PDP ticket.
The litmus test which is euphemistically termed: One day working visit to the state, saw the Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, on Saturday, received the Vice President, in a grand style in Benin City, which witnessed massive turnout of Nigerians yearning for the VP in 2023.
The Vice President, according to information as the disposal of EXTRAORDINAIRE news was conveyed by presidential aircraft with registration number 5N-FGV, landed in Benin, the Edo State capital at exactly 11:07a.m.
Osinbajo was welcomed by Shaibu and other top government officials, as well as thousands of supporters amid cheers.
The colourfully dressed state cultural troupe was also at the airport to welcome the VP to the ancient city.
The Vice President is expected to join other top politicians at the palace of the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Aliru Momoh, Ikelebe III, where a chieftaincy title, the ‘Oduma of Auchi Sacred Kingdom’ will be conferred on the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr. Clem Agba.
