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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State to focus on delivering development to the people rather than expending energy on probing his predecessor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
Speaking in Benin City on Saturday during a visit to commission the New Edo Line Terminal as part of the second phase of the Benin Central Bus Terminal project, Wike advised the governor to let bygones be bygones and prioritize governance that brings tangible benefits to Edo citizens.
“If there is someone who would have encouraged Okpebholo to probe and prosecute Obaseki, that person should be me, but what I suffered in ensuring that he returned for a second term and how he paid me back is now in the past,” Wike said.
He noted that any investigation into Obaseki’s administration would do little to improve the lives of ordinary Edo people, stressing that the focus should remain on people-oriented projects and infrastructure.
“We must pass through this process in life, move on for the development of Edo State. Don’t do it. I’m the one that should have told you to pursue this man. I know what I passed through. I should be the one to prosecute Obaseki, but what is it in life when God has given you position?
If it were to be his power, you wouldn’t be here, but God has told him, you don’t have it and I have given it to whom I want to give,” Wike emphasized.
The FCT Minister also took a moment to reflect on his own political rift with Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was present at the event.
“Leader, I know how pained you are and what you passed through, I know the sufferings you suffered and it was like a humiliation to you. I was part of it because I humiliated you,” Wike admitted. “I apologized on national TV to you. Sorry for what I did to you. Leave it and let them carry their wahala and go. Focus on the development of Edo and you will see what you will achieve at the end of the day.”
Although the commissioning of the New Edo Line Terminal was scheduled as part of Wike’s visit, the ceremony was cancelled in honour of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, following the declaration of a national mourning period.
Governor Okpebholo, who assumed office after Obaseki, has yet to comment on the rising demands by political stakeholders to probe his predecessor. However, Wike’s message adds a powerful voice to those calling for governance over grudge.