By Deborah Nnamdi
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has advised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, against expending time and state resources on investigating his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
During a visit to the state, Wike urged Governor Okpebholo to focus instead on developmental efforts that would benefit the people of Edo. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Lere Olayinka, the minister said any probe of the former governor would yield little or no meaningful results.
“It is more productive to invest your time and the state’s resources into delivering development for the people,” Wike stated.
He added, “If there’s anyone who should be calling for an investigation of Obaseki, it would be me—given what I endured to support his second term and how he repaid me. But that is now in the past. We must move forward for Edo’s sake.”
Wike emphasized that Governor Okpebholo’s emergence was divinely ordained, saying, “If it were up to Obaseki, you wouldn’t be here today. But God decided otherwise.”
The minister also offered a public apology to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former Edo governor, over his past support for Obaseki, which he acknowledged had led to Oshiomhole’s political humiliation.
“I know how painful that period was for you. I played a part in it, and I publicly apologised on national television. I’m repeating that apology now—I am sorry.”
Wike concluded by urging Okpebholo to let go of the past and focus fully on governance. “Let Obaseki and his team carry their own baggage. Focus on developing Edo, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wike was in Benin City to commission the second phase of the Benin Central Bus Terminal—the newly completed Edo Line Terminal. The event was, however, postponed following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
