Obaseki ready for EFCC scrutiny, calls for focus on governance over vendettas

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has declared his readiness to cooperate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the end of his tenure.

Speaking at the Edo BEST National Results-Sharing Session in Abuja on Thursday, Obaseki made it clear that he would willingly submit himself for any inquiry from the anti-graft agency after his eight-year term.

“I’m not afraid of the EFCC. Why should I be? What is important is focus. I came into office and ignored the noise, concentrating on what I felt was important, and today you can see the results,” Obaseki stated.

“If the EFCC calls on me, I will hand myself over; I have nothing to hide.”

A Stark Contrast with Other Leaders
Obaseki’s commitment to transparency stands in stark contrast to the actions of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who has repeatedly disregarded EFCC summons and evaded arrest attempts.

According to reports, the current governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, has shielded Bello using constitutional immunity, thwarting at least two arrest attempts by EFCC operatives.

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During the session in Abuja, Obaseki showcased the strides his administration has made, particularly in the education sector.

The EdoBEST program, a flagship initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes, was central to the discussion.

The outgoing governor stressed that tangible reforms and impactful governance had been the cornerstone of his time in office.

“I came into office amidst challenges but focused on what truly matters—improving the lives of our people. Our work in education, in particular, speaks for itself. We ignored the political noise and accusations, choosing to prioritize sustainable change,” Obaseki said.

The governor took the opportunity to call out the opposition, especially the All Progressives Congress (APC), for what he described as “unnecessary and silly petitions” aimed at distracting from governance.

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He urged political actors to move beyond partisan squabbles and personal vendettas to address the pressing issues facing Nigerians.

“What matters is focusing on our people and making Nigeria better. The suffering is too much. We, who are privileged, should focus on making a positive impact, not on side issues like vendetta,” Obaseki remarked.

He labeled his political detractors in Edo State as “bitter” and accused them of being driven by envy over his administration’s accomplishments.

Obaseki’s speech also touched on the broader struggles facing the country, urging leaders, particularly those in the APC, to prioritize policies that alleviate hardship rather than pursuing personal grudges.

“The opposition should channel their energy into making life better for Nigerians instead of fueling partisan animosities,” he emphasized.

Reflecting on his tenure, Obaseki expressed pride in his administration’s efforts, particularly in education, where significant reforms have been implemented.

He emphasized that these changes would leave a lasting legacy, positioning Edo State as a model for others.

“Our achievements, especially in the educational sector, are undeniable. We’ve laid a foundation that will continue to benefit the state long after I leave office,” he concluded.

Analysts see Obaseki’s readiness to submit to EFCC scrutiny as a bold move that underscores his confidence in the integrity of his administration.

Political analyst Dr. Ngozi Adebayo noted, “Obaseki’s stance is rare among outgoing governors and signals a commitment to accountability that could set a precedent for others.”