Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has advised Edo State’s Governor Monday Okpebholo against probing the immediate past administration under Godwin Obaseki, and advised him to focus on giving the dividends of democracy to the people.
While acknowledging his own personal grievances with Obaseki, the former Rivers State Governor said probing the past would yield little benefit and distract the new administration from delivering meaningful governance to the people of Edo.
Wike gave the advice during his visit to Benin City, as captured in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Mr. Lere Olayinka.
Wike was in Edo to inaugurate the newly constructed Edo Line Terminal in Benin, which is the second phase of the Benin Central Bus Terminal.
The event was, however, cancelled following the demise of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to Wike, Okpebholo should deploy his time and the state’s resources towards achieving his developmental goals for Edo people.
“If there is someone who would have encouraged Okpebholo to probe and prosecute Obaseki, that person should be me,” Wike said. “However, 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, move on for the development of Edo.
“Therefore, don’t do it. I’m the one that should have told you to pursue this man because I know what I passed through.
“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 it t.’”
The minister also apologised to Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of the state, for humiliating him over the reelection of Obaseki.
Wike said: “Leader, I know how pained you are and what you passed through; I know it was like a humiliation to you.
“I was part of it because I humiliated you while supporting Obaseki. I apologised to you on national TV and I am still saying sorry for what I did to you.
“Let Obaseki and his team carry their problems and go. Focus on the development of Edo and you will see what you will achieve at the end of the day”.
