Obaseki not on the run, ready to respond to EFCC, ICPC, Edo PDP says

By Jethro Ibileke

A former publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Edo, Chris Nehikhare, has said that former Governor of the State, Godwin Obaseki, is not on the run and he is ready to respond to any of the anti-corruption agencies if necessary.

He made the remark on Tuesday in Benin, while answering questions from journalists.

He noted that the former Governor is giving his successor, Monday Okoebholo, a “space and opportunity to prove his worth to the people of the state”.

He said: “Former Governor Obaseki’s presence in Edo will make Governor Okpebholo’s administration uncomfortable, as he doesn’t want Okpebholo to be judged on daily basis of his (Obaseki) good performance.

“He is not on the run and if anybody wants him, including the EFCC, ICPC and others, they can write him and he would respond to whatever they want.

“Obaseki is doing his fellowship in a foreign university and there is a government in place in Edo, and his performance is not comparable to Okpebholo’s work now.

“Governor Obaseki is not coming back to Benin to run for Senate or any other position like other past governors. He has served at the highest level of governance in Edo and it is that honour he would continue to maintain.”

Nehikhare called on Edo people not to listen to the ranting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who he said is blaming Obaseki on a daily basis, adding that has made his marks in the governance of the state.

Also speaking, the newly elected State PDP publicity Dan Ogbegie, faulted the ongoing construction of a flyover at the Ramat Park in Ikpoba Hill, describing it as unnecessary.

Ogbegie who blamed the Okpebholo’s administration for abandoning its predecessor’s projects, noted that there are many roads inside the Government Reservation Area (GRA) and other parts of the that required attention.