Wike Urges Gov Okpebholo Not to Probe Former Edo Governor Obaseki

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has made a passionate appeal to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, urging him to abandon any plans to probe or prosecute his predecessor, former governor Godwin Obaseki.

Speaking at a gathering in Benin City on Sunday, Wike acknowledged that despite his own difficult history with Obaseki, pursuing investigations against the former governor would be counterproductive to Edo State's development.

"Don't do it. I'm the one that should have told you pursue this man, I know what I passed through," Wike stated. "I should be the one to prosecute Obaseki but what is it in life when God has given you position? If it were to be his power, you won't be here, but God has told him, you don't have it and I have given it to whom I want to give."

The FCT Minister's comments come amid speculation that Governor Okpebholo might initiate investigations into the previous administration's financial dealings. Wike, who played a significant role in Okpebholo's election victory, emphasized that focusing on governance rather than retribution would better serve the state's interests.

In a surprising moment of contrition, Wike also publicly apologized to a political leader present at the event, stating: "Leader, I know how pained you are and what you passed through, I know the sufferings, you suffered and it was like a humiliation to you. I was part of it because I humiliated you. I apologized on national TV to you, sorry for what I did to you."

The minister advised Governor Okpebholo to "leave it and let them carry their wahalla and go, focus on the development of Edo and you will see what you will achieve at the end of the day."

Governor Okpebholo, who represents the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently had his election victory affirmed by the Supreme Court. He defeated Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who had been Obaseki's preferred successor.

Political analysts view Wike's intervention as significant, given his influential role in Nigerian politics and his previous conflicts with Obaseki. The minister's call for reconciliation rather than retribution could potentially shape the political landscape in Edo State moving forward.

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