The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has advised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to avoid probing his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, and instead focus on delivering good governance to the people of Edo.
Wike gave the counsel during a visit to the state, where he was scheduled to inaugurate the newly constructed Edo Line Terminal in Benin City — the second phase of the Benin Central Bus Terminal. The event was, however, postponed following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mr. Lere Olayinka, Wike noted that probing Obaseki would yield little or no positive results and could distract the governor from achieving his developmental goals.
“If there is someone who should be pushing for a probe of Obaseki, it should be me,” Wike said. “But I have moved on. I know what I went through to ensure his second term and how I was repaid. That is now in the past.”
He continued: “If it were up to him, you [Okpebholo] wouldn’t be governor today. But God gives power to whom He chooses. Let Obaseki carry his problems and go. Focus on developing Edo and see what you will accomplish.”
In a reconciliatory tone, the former Rivers State governor also issued a public apology to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State, for backing Obaseki during their political fallout.
“I know how pained you were. I humiliated you while supporting Obaseki. I apologised on national television, and I’m saying it again — I’m sorry for what I did,” Wike said.
The visit, meant to highlight infrastructure progress in Edo, turned into a moment of political reflection and advice, with Wike emphasizing unity, healing, and a forward-looking approach to governance.
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