The outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has declared that he would voluntarily hand himself over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if the anti-graft agency requires his presence in connection with his tenure in the state.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session, an event that showcased the achievements of his administration, particularly in the education sector, Obaseki made it clear that he was not afraid of any investigation.
“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.”
Obaseki’s comments come amidst political tensions in the state, where opposition parties have raised concerns about his administration’s handling of public funds.
Despite this, the governor emphasized that his achievements in Edo State, particularly in the education sector, were proof of his integrity.
“I have nothing to fear regarding any allegations. My administration has made remarkable progress, especially in education.” he said
Criticizing opposition parties, especially the All Progressives Congress (APC), Obaseki accused them of focusing on “unnecessary and silly petitions” rather than addressing the country’s pressing challenges.
He further called on the APC to shift its attention from political vendettas and focus on solving the problems faced by Nigerians.
“The suffering is too much. We, who are privileged, should focus on making a positive impact, not on side issues like vendetta,” he stated.
Obaseki also took aim at his political opponents in Edo State, calling them “bitter” and “full of vendetta,” accusing them of jealousy over his administration’s achievements.
Reflecting on his legacy, Obaseki expressed pride in the educational reforms his administration had implemented. He pointed out that under his leadership, over 400,000 children had been enrolled in schools, with an emphasis on data-driven educational policies that made tangible progress.
“You can come to Edo and see the data. We have enrolled over 400,000 children, and you can identify them because the data on every child is there.”
He also highlighted a significant achievement: the commissioning of a newly rebuilt technical college aimed at providing vocational training for young people in areas such as catering, mechanics, bricklaying, and construction, thereby helping them become self-reliant and useful to society.
Additionally, Obaseki expressed his opposition to a proposal from the Nigerian Academy of Letters, which suggested that unity schools be handed over to state governments.
He argued that unity schools, originally intended to be elite institutions for exceptional students, should be managed by both private and public entities capable of providing the resources required to meet global educational standards.
“The original intention of unity schools was to make them elite institutions for the best and brightest,” Obaseki remarked, referencing a speech made by Prof. Olubayi Olubayi, the keynote speaker at the event. “Unity schools should cater to exceptional students from across the country, equipping them to lead in policy-making and innovation.”
Emphasizing the importance of quality over ownership, Obaseki concluded, “What matters is not ownership but the output and quality of education produced by these institutions.”
