Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has advised Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to focus on delivering development for the people of the state rather than expending energy on probing his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
Wike gave the counsel during a visit to Benin City on Sunday, noting that any attempt to investigate Obaseki would yield little benefit compared to the urgent need for infrastructure and economic progress in the state.
“If there is someone who would have encouraged Okpebholo to probe and prosecute Obaseki, that person should be me,” Wike said, according to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
He added, “What I suffered in ensuring that he returned for a second term and how he paid me back is now in the past. We must pass through this process in life and move on for the development of Edo State. Don’t do it.”
Wike further stressed that divine providence, not political manoeuvring, had placed Governor Okpebholo in office, and urged him to rise above personal grievances.
Turning to former Edo State Governor and APC stalwart, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Wike offered a public apology over his past political stance, which he admitted contributed to Oshiomhole’s political struggles.
“Leader, I know how pained you are and what you passed through. I know the humiliation you suffered. I was part of it because I humiliated you,” he said. “I apologised on national TV to you. Sorry for what I did. Leave it and let them carry their wahala and go.”
Wike had been scheduled to commission the second phase of the Edo State Benin Central Bus Terminal — the New Edo Line terminal — during his visit. However, the event was postponed due to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
