Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has advised Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, against launching a probe into the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, stressing the need to prioritise development over political vendettas.
Wike gave the counsel while reacting to remarks by former Edo State Governor and current senator, Adams Oshiomhole, who had urged Okpebholo to investigate alleged financial irregularities under the Obaseki administration.
Addressing a crowd of party loyalists during a Supreme Court victory celebration, Oshiomhole had called for a full inquiry into a controversial hotel project, purportedly involving billions of naira in public funds. He also raised questions over the cost of road constructions executed during Obaseki’s tenure, comparing them unfavourably with projects from his own administration.
Following Oshiomhole’s comments, Governor Okpebholo had announced plans to establish a commission of inquiry to scrutinize Obaseki’s time in office.
However, in a surprising intervention, Wike cautioned against the move, warning that such a probe could derail the government’s focus. Speaking through a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister said personal grievances should not interfere with the administration’s mission to develop Edo State.
“If there is anyone who should encourage Okpebholo to probe Obaseki, it’s me,” Wike said. “What I suffered to help him win a second term, and how he repaid me, is in the past. But this is not the time for revenge.”
Wike had arrived in Benin City to inaugurate the second phase of the Benin Central Bus Terminal (New Edo Line Terminal), but the event was postponed following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Continuing, Wike said, “Don’t waste your time on a probe that won’t yield anything. God has already given you this position. Use it wisely. Let your legacy be about building, not destruction.”
In a heartfelt moment during his address, Wike publicly apologised to Oshiomhole for their political clashes during the 2020 Edo gubernatorial election, when he supported Obaseki’s re-election against Oshiomhole’s wishes.
“Leader, I know what you went through — the humiliation and pain. I was part of it, and I apologise once again on national television. But now is the time to move forward.”
Wike urged the new administration to pursue unity and growth, noting that holding onto past grievances would be counterproductive.
“Let them carry their wahala and go. Edo people deserve progress. Focus on governance, and you’ll be amazed by what you can achieve,” he concluded.
