Obaseki ready to face EFCC, defends eight-year administration in Edo

Edo State’s outgoing Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has declared his readiness to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if summoned, affirming that he has “nothing to hide” regarding his administration’s record.
Obaseki made this commitment while addressing an audience yesterday at the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session in Abuja, where he outlined his achievements, notably in the education sector.
“I’m not afraid of the EFCC,” Obaseki stated. “Why should I be? I focused on what mattered—making a lasting impact—and today, the results speak for themselves. If the EFCC calls on me, I will hand myself over; I have nothing to hide.”
Highlighting his administration’s impact on Edo State, Obaseki detailed initiatives that have advanced the state’s education, particularly the enrollment of over 400,000 children and the development of a new technical college aimed at providing vocational training in fields like catering, mechanics, and construction.
He noted that data collection and tracking systems ensure each child’s progress is documented, underscoring the transparency and reach of his reforms.
Obaseki, a critic of opposition parties’ tactics, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC), condemned what he described as “unnecessary and silly petitions,” urging them to redirect their focus toward the real challenges affecting Nigerians. “Our people are suffering. As leaders, we should focus on easing that burden instead of wasting time on vendettas,” he added.
Reflecting on his tenure, Obaseki expressed pride in his legacy, emphasizing that his administration took significant steps to improve education and workforce skills in Edo State. Unlike previous efforts that fell short, he stressed that his initiatives delivered practical solutions and lasting impact.
“We didn’t just train teachers or increase enrollment; we backed it up with robust data that verifies every child’s education journey in Edo,” he said.
During the session, Obaseki also voiced his opposition to a proposal by the Nigerian Academy of Letters to transfer control of unity schools to state governments.
He argued that unity schools, originally intended as elite institutions nurturing the country’s brightest students, require substantial investment to meet global standards and should thus be managed collaboratively by both private and public entities.
“The idea of unity schools was to create institutions for top students across Nigeria, preparing them to lead in policy and innovation,” Obaseki explained, referencing the remarks of Prof. Olubayi Olubayi, who delivered the event’s keynote.
“The output and quality of these schools matter more than who manages them, which is why they should be jointly overseen to ensure excellence.”
As he prepares to leave office, Obaseki assured attendees of his commitment to transparency and his readiness to face any accountability measures.
Confident in the accomplishments of his administration, he asserted that his work has laid a foundation for the continued progress of Edo State, with a legacy rooted in educational and vocational reforms that will shape the lives of thousands.