EFCC planning to arrest me next week – Obaseki alleges

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is planning to arrest him following the conclusion of his tenure on November 14, 2024.

Speaking on Thursday at the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session in Abuja, Obaseki stated that he had received information about the agency’s intention to detain him over allegations of fraud.

Despite the potential legal troubles, the governor emphasized that he is unbothered by the prospect of arrest or investigation, attributing the petitions filed against him to vendetta-driven individuals.

He said, “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.”

The governor accused his opponents of being envious of his achievements over the past eight years, stressing that he has left a legacy in the South-South state.

“You know how this country is. It’s filled with bitterness, vendettas, and wickedness. Those who have opposed me in Edo State are cruel, very wicked, and filled with jealousy and envy because they cannot match the accomplishments we’ve made in the past eight years.

“But what’s important is to focus on the people to improve Nigeria, as the suffering is excessive. We are privileged to make a difference, so let’s focus on issues, not vendettas.

“Reforming the bureaucracy is a priority. We focused on the people and the civil servants,” he added.

PUNCH Online reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission had declared the All Progressives Congress candidate, Monday Okpebholo, as the winner of the September 21, 2024, Edo governorship election.

Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, who secured 247,274 votes, with Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata trailing with 22,763 votes.