Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has asked Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to prioritise governance and development over probing his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
Wike, who spoke in Benin yesterday during a visit, cautioned that an investigation into Obaseki’s administration would yield no meaningful benefits for the state.
He, therefore, urged the governor to channel his energy and resources into delivering developmental projects for the people of Edo State.
In a press statement signed by his senior special assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said, “If there is someone who would have encouraged Okpebholo to probe and prosecute Obaseki, that person should be me, but 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. I am the one who should have told you to pursue this man. I know what I passed through.
“I should be the one to prosecute Obaseki, but what is it in life when God has given you your position? 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,” he said.
While addressing Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who was present at the event, Wike acknowledged past political tensions and apologised for his previous actions.
“Leader, I know how pained you are and what you passed through, I know what you suffered and it was like a humiliation to you. I was part of it because I humiliated you.
“I apologised on national TV to you, sorry for what I did to you, leave it and let them carry their wahala (problem) and go, focus on the development of Edo and you will see what you will achieve at the end of the day,” he said.
Wike was in Benin to commission the second phase of the Edo State Benin Central Bus Terminal (New Edo Line Terminal).
However, the event was cancelled following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a mark of respect.
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