The immediate past governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has proceeded on vacation to rest and undergo a medical check-up.
The move is coming following the completion of his second tenure as the Edo governor on 11 November 2024.
This was disclosed in a statement by his Media Adviser, Crusoe Osagie, on Wednesday.
Osagie said, “Following the completion of his second term, a former governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has proceeded on vacation to rest and undergo a medical check-up.
“Obaseki, once again, expressed his appreciation to God Almighty, the people of Edo State and Nigeria, for the opportunity to serve.
“He urged all Edo people both at home and in the Diaspora to continue to be hopeful and pray for the peace, progress, and prosperity of our state and Nigeria”.
Before handing over the state administration to the new governor, Monday Okpebholo, Obaseki granted pardon to 10 inmates with less than one year to serve their terms in correctional centres in the state.
On 8 November 2024, Obaseki said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is planning to arrest him after the end of his tenure.
Speaking at the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session in Abuja, Obaseki revealed he received information about the EFCC’s plan to arrest and detain him over alleged fraud.
He, however, asserted that he is not afraid of any arrest or investigation into his administration, attributing the petitions filed against him to individuals acting out of vendetta.
Obaseki mentioned that he would spend his time in EFCC custody conducting research, stressing that he has nothing to hide.
“I hear that the EFCC will pick me up next week after my tenure. Wherever they keep me, I’ll spend time doing research.
“There are many things we have done that can be described as legacy projects. I believe in Edo State. One of the enduring achievements is our focus on the Edo people and issues that matter to them, implementing necessary reforms.
“Why should I be afraid? I just focused on what I believe in, and today, you can see what has been accomplished. What happens after that is beyond my control. They can continue with their political witch-hunt and do all they can to harm me. That’s their problem.
“I’m not afraid; I’m not worried. They’ve written all sorts of unfounded petitions against me, and that’s part of the challenge. In fact, I can even turn myself in if they call me – I have nothing to hide”, Obaseki stated.
