Probe: I’m not afraid of EFCC — Obaseki

Mr Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo State on Thursday, revealed that he could be arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after his eight-year tenure in office.

He said this in Abuja during the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session, with the theme, “EdoBEST: A legacy of Re-engineering Education in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

The outgoing governor, who said he has nothing to hide, reeled out the rare achievements he has made in the state during his stewardship, notable among which he said, was in the education sector.

Obaseki, who acknowledged the sufferings Nigerians are facing, urged the All Progressive Congress to focus its energy on the plight of Nigerians rather than vendetta, noting that he has governed the people of Edo State to the best of his ability.

Also, while reflecting on his administration’s legacy, Obaseki noted, “I will serve as a resource person after office and I’m going to give the cheapest services so far from lessons garnered in my eight years’ experience as governor. I hear that the EFCC will pick me next week after my tenure. Wherever they keep me, I’ll spend time doing research.”

Obaseki underscored the achievements of his administration, particularly its focus on initiatives benefiting the people of Edo State. “Why should I have fears? I just focused on what I believe in and today, you can see what has been achieved. What happens after that is not up to me,” he asserted, adding that he was undeterred by any “political witch-hunt” that may ensue.

Speaking on the accusations against him, Obaseki stated, “They have written all sorts of silly petitions against me and that’s part of the challenge. In fact, I can even hand myself over, and if they call me, I don’t have anything to hide.” He attributed the complaints to “bitterness, vendetta, wickedness,” and described his opponents as “cruel, very wicked people” who have not matched his administration’s accomplishments.

The governor stressed the importance of focusing on development rather than personal grievances, saying, “What is important to us is to focus on our people in order to make Nigeria better because the suffering is too much. We have the advantage and privilege to make things happen.”

Commenting on his administration’s approach to education, he noted that Nigeria could meet global standards by emphasizing impactful teaching.

Obaseki identified waste, theft, and corruption as obstacles to progress, rather than a lack of resources.

“What we spend money on many times are not necessary. You cannot expect to raise money if you haven’t put some of yours into it. You have to build trust and people have to believe in what you’re saying,” he explained