Philip Shaibu: Awaiting Edo Governor Or NFF President?
Former students’ union leader and now Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu (PICTURED) has lately been thrust into the mainstream of Nigeria football.
Is this by accident or design?
What is known is that this kaki-wearing comrade loves his football and has never been shy to show off his passion.
Such is this passion that he made history as the first top-ranking state Executive to be registered as a player of professional football club Bendel Insurance.
His name was everywhere during the last NFF Elections, which Edo State Government graciously hosted and he was the chief host.
It was said he bankrolled the election of Ibrahim Gusau as NFF President and Aisha Falode as an Executive Committee Member of the football federation.
Philip Shaibu was understandably one of the first callers at the Glasshouse to congratulate his good friend Gusau and was subsequently appointed by the NFF as Chairman of the Reconciliation Committee to bring together feuding members of the players’ union of which he is a member.
But tongues are wagging whether this is where his role in Nigeria football ends.
The Labour Party has taken Edo State by storm and the Deputy Governor’s party, the PDP, will have to work out of their skin to stop by the next Gubernatorial polls the political Tsunami that has overtaken this state.
So, do we then see Comrade Shaibu stepping down his ambition to succeed his boss Obaseki as Hovernor or as he has recently confided in some of those close to him, take the full plunge into Nigeria football politics?
He has already influenced who will be the next Edo State FA Chairman after fellow unionist Roland Abu was led to slaughter.
Fingers are also pointing at this executive comrade for the surprise appointment of child of the soil Faith Irabor as Chairman of the Referees Appointment Committee.
Why are Bendel Insurance unbeaten and calling the shots on their return to the top league this season?
The biggest poser of all is – After all said and done, has Gusau agreed a secret pact to hand over the leadership of the NFF to his comrade friend after his own tenure?
