Outgoing Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed his willingness to voluntarily submit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should the anti-graft agency require him following his eight-year tenure.
He made the statement in Abuja on Thursday during the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session, where he highlighted his administration’s educational achievements.
Obaseki’s expressed willingness to submit himself and cooperate with the EFCC contrasts sharply with the attitude of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who has till date ignored the summon of the anti-graft agency and defied different attempts to arrest him with the aid of the Usman Ododo, the sitting governor of Kogi State, using his constitutional immunity to ferry him out of the reach of EFCC operatives, on at least two occasions.
He made it clear that he had no fear of the EFCC, emphasizing that he would readily hand himself over if called upon.
“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 said. “If the EFCC calls on me, I will hand myself over; I have nothing to hide.”
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During the event, which was focused on his administration’s progress in education, Obaseki reiterated that his government had made significant strides, particularly in the educational sector. He stressed that he had no reason to fear any accusations, as his administration had focused on tangible results, rather than engaging in partisan squabbles or defending against allegations.
He criticized opposition parties, especially the All Progressives Congress (APC), for prioritizing “unnecessary and silly petitions” over addressing the real issues affecting 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 said.
The governor also reflected on the challenges facing Nigerians, urging the APC to shift its focus away from personal vendettas and work toward alleviating the hardships the country is facing. He described his political opponents in Edo State as “bitter” and “full of vendetta,” accusing them of harboring jealousy over the achievements his administration has made.
Obaseki expressed pride in his legacy, particularly in the education sector, saying that his administration’s reforms would leave a lasting mark on the state.
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