•Says he won’t deny relationship with Oshiomhole
…Claims PDP has campaigned for APC with party crisis, non-performance
From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Former Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, has boasted that he is the best person to do the job among the aspirants jostling for the Edo State governorship election, judging by his track record.
Agba, who served under former president Muhmmadu Buhari, made the declaration while speaking to newsmen at the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) when he returned his expression of interest and nomination forms ahead of February 17 party primary.
He also joked that the ruling party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), would not pose any serious threat to the APC in the September governorship election, considering the crisis rocking the party, in addition to the non-performance of the incumbent.
Asked if he is the anointed aspirant, he said: “If I were the anointed, do I need to go about campaigning? I will sit at home and wait for the coronation. But, I know I have to sell myself to the people. And because our people could be forgetful, I had to remind them the things that I did. I know I am the best among them and in all the parties.
“I am not talking about the APC now, because I have seen all the contenders across the parties. Why do you think I am the only one under attack? Why am I the only one that is the godson? It is because no one throws stone at a tree that has unripe fruits.”
On his relationship with former Governor Oshiomhole, he said: “Am I going to deny that Adams Oshiomhole is a friend? No, I will not deny him. Am I going to deny that he is my brother because we come from the same part of the state? No, I will not deny him. Will I deny that he is my boss? No, I will not. Am I his only son? No, I am not. He has sons from Edo North, South and Central. I won’t deny him.”
On possible threats from the PDP, he said: “PDP has already campaigned for the APC. Not just by the crisis in the party, but also by its poor performance in the state.”