by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has advised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, against spending time and resources to investigate his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
Speaking during a visit to Edo State, Wike encouraged Okpebholo to prioritize development efforts rather than pursue political vendettas. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Lere Olayinka, the minister said that probing the former governor would yield little benefit.
“If there is anyone who could have asked you to probe Obaseki, it’s me,” Wike said. “I know what I went through supporting his re-election and how I was treated afterward, but that is now in the past. Let’s focus on moving Edo forward.”
Wike further noted that divine intervention played a role in Okpebholo’s emergence as governor. “If it were up to him [Obaseki], you wouldn’t be here today. But God has given power to whom He wants,” he said.
The FCT Minister also extended a public apology to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former Edo governor, for supporting Obaseki against him.
“I know the pain and humiliation you felt. I was part of that. I’ve apologized publicly before and I’m repeating it now—I’m sorry,” Wike stated.
He concluded by advising Okpebholo to let go of the past: “Let Obaseki and his team carry their own burdens. You focus on developing Edo, and you’ll see the results.”
Wike was in Benin to commission the newly built Edo Line Terminal, the second phase of the Benin Central Bus Terminal project. However, the event was canceled in honor of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.