“EFCC plans to arrest me next week, I’m not afraid” — Obaseki reveals

• Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has stated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) plans to arrest him after his term ends on November 14.

• Obaseki revealed that he has received information about the EFCC’s plan to detain him on allegations of fraud during the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session in Abuja.

• The individual expressed fear of arrest or investigation into his administration, citing personal vendetta as the reason for the petitions against him.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has asserted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) plans to arrest him following the conclusion of his term on November 14.

During the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session held in Abuja on Thursday, Obaseki revealed that he had received intelligence regarding the EFCC’s intention to detain him on charges of fraud.

Despite this, he expressed that he harbors no fear regarding any potential arrest or investigation into his administration, attributing the allegations against him to individuals motivated by personal grievances.

Obaseki further stated that he would utilize any time spent in EFCC custody for research, underscoring that he has nothing to conceal.

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 adversaries of harboring jealousy towards his accomplishments over the past eight years, emphasizing that he has established a legacy in the South-South region.

“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.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that Monday Okpebholo, the candidate from the All Progressives Congress, emerged victorious in the Edo governorship election held on September 21, 2024.

Okpebholo received a total of 291,667 votes, surpassing his nearest competitor, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, who garnered 247,274 votes. The Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata finished in third place with 22,763 votes.