‘God Will Punish Politicians Who Abuse Power’, Says Ex-Edo Governor Obaseki

Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has warned that politicians who use public power for personal gains will face divine punishment, saying leadership is a responsibility given by God to serve the people.

In a video shared on his official X, Obaseki said the essence of politics goes beyond acquiring power but using the State authority improve the lives of citizens.

He argued that leaders who enrich themselves and their inner circles after gaining office have failed both God and the people.

According to him, power is a divine trust that should be used to serve humanity and glorify God.

“If you are in politics to get power, and you get the power and it’s only for you and your friends and the people close to you, then God will punish you,” Obaseki said.

“Because if God has given you power, and you cannot use that power directly for Him, glorify Him, then I don’t see how you will do it.”

The former governor said he has no regrets about his time in office, adding that he would not change his approach if given another opportunity.

“What would I do differently if I had another opportunity? Nothing. I will do it in the same way. In fact, I will do it even more, quicker and faster,” he said.

Reflecting on his administration, Obaseki noted that while his government prioritised education and social reforms, he wished some initiatives had started earlier to allow their impact to be more visible before he left office.

He also explained that his support for a successor was aimed at ensuring continuity of policies and reforms, stressing that his decisions were made for the benefit of the people, not personal interest.

Obaseki further cautioned against dismantling programmes initiated by previous administrations, warning that such actions ultimately harm ordinary citizens.

“When I see people trying to destroy what we did, I say you add to what you met, not destroy it,” he said, noting that scrapping policies like health insurance or shutting down hospitals would only worsen the suffering of the public.

He questioned the morality of leaders who remain comfortable in power while citizens struggle, insisting that authority must always be exercised with a sense of purpose and accountability to God.