Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has advised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to disregard mounting calls for a probe into his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, urging him instead to channel his energy toward the development of the state.
Speaking during a gathering in Benin City on Monday night, Wike acknowledged the political tensions surrounding the transition but emphasized the importance of moving forward.
“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,” Wike said, referencing his own history with Obaseki.
Wike, who previously had a public fallout with Obaseki, admitted to playing a role in Okpebholo’s political struggles and publicly apologized once again.
“Leader, I know how pained you are and what you passed through. I was part of it because I humiliated you. I apologized on national TV. 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.”
He added that man did not grant the governorship position, but by divine will:
“If it were his power, you wouldn’t be here. But God has told him, ‘You don’t have it,’ and has given it to whom He wants.”
Political Background
Wike’s comments come on the heels of the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Okpebholo’s election victory as governor of Edo State.
Okpebholo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeated Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who Obaseki had handpicked as his preferred successor.
Wike’s appeal signals a call for political maturity and stability in Edo State as the new administration settles in.
