- Alleges Plot To Arrest Him
By Kolawole Ojebisi
Mr Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state, has alleged that there are political opponents engaging in political witch-hunt against him but he remains unperturbed as he believes firmly in Edo State and his legacy.
The outgoing governor maintained that he has risen above political vendetta and bitterness, two issues which he claim are plaguing Edo State. According to Obaseki, he is happy that he is leaving behind a legacy in Edo state which he would remain proud of.
Governor Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be handing over to Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on November 12.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, during the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session, Obaseki said he would make virtue of necessity by spending his time in EFCC custody doing some research if he is arrested.
“I hear that the EFCC will pick me next week after my tenure. Wherever they keep me, I’ll spend time doing research,” he said.
Obaseki said he had risen above bitterness and vendetta which the twin evils characterizing the Edo politics.
The outgoing governor said he has nothing to fear as he used his eight years in power to deliver dividends of democracy to Edo people.
He added that he has bequeathed a legacy that will outlive him to the state. “There are many things we have done that can be described as legacy projects,” he added.
“I believe in Edo state. One of the things that will last for a very long time to come is the fact that we were able to focus on Edo people and the things that matter to them, reform and implement those things.”
Obaseki said he is being hounded by a “cruel and wicked” opposition in the state, adding that he would gladly hand himself over to the anti-graft agency if the operatives come calling.
“Why should I have fears? I just focused on what I believe in and today, you can see what has been achieved. What happens after that is not up to me,” the outgoing governor said.
“They can continue with their political witch-hunt and do all they can to hurt me, that’s their problem. I’m not afraid, I’m not worried. They have written all sorts of silly petitions against me and that’s part of the challenge. In fact, I can even hand myself over, and if they call me, I don’t have anything to hide.
“You know how this country is, it is all about bitterness, it is all about vendetta, wickedness.”
He added: “People who have opposed me in Edo state are cruel, very wicked people, very jealous and envious and this is because they cannot show as much as the achievements we have made in the past eight years.
“But what is important to us is to focus on our people in order to make Nigeria better because the suffering is too much.
“We have the advantage and privilege to make things happen. So, we should focus on issues and not on vendetta.”
Obaseki was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2016 but defected to the PDP to get his second shot at power following the rift between him and his erstwhile political godfather, Adams Oshiomhole.
His eight-year reign will come to an end on November 12.
Recall that on September 22, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Okpebholo winner of the Edo governorship election with 291,667 votes.
Asue Ighodalo of the PDP and Obaseki’s preferred candidate, polled second with 247,274 votes. Ighodalo has promised to challenge the outcome of the election in court.
