Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state, says he has been told that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will come knocking when his tenure elapses next week.

Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be handing over to Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on November 12.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, during the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session, ThisDay reports Obaseki as saying that he would spend his time in EFCC custody doing some research.

“I hear that the EFCC will pick me next week after my tenure. Wherever they keep me, I’ll spend time doing research,” he said.

Obaseki, who has served as Edo governor since 2016, said he has left a legacy in the state.

“There are many things we have done that can be described as legacy projects,” he added.

“I believe in Edo state. One of the things that will last for a very long time to come is the fact that we were able to focus on Edo people and the things that matter to them, reform and implement those things.”

Obaseki said he is being hounded by a “cruel and wicked” opposition in the state, adding that he would gladly hand himself over to the anti-graft agency when the operatives come calling.

“Why should I have fears? I just focused on what I believe in and today, you can see what has been achieved. What happens after that is not up to me,” the outgoing governor said.

“They can continue with their political witch-hunt and do all they can to hurt me, that’s their problem.

“I’m not afraid, I’m not worried. They have written all sorts of silly petitions against me and that’s part of the challenge. In fact, I can even hand myself over, and if they call me, I don’t have anything to hide.

“You know how this country is, it is all about bitterness, it is all about vendetta, wickedness.

“People who have opposed me in Edo state are cruel, very wicked people, very jealous and envious and this is because they cannot show as much as the achievements we have made in the past eight years.

“But what is important to us is to focus on our people in order to make Nigeria better because the suffering is too much.

“We have the advantage and privilege to make things happen. So, we should focus on issues and not on vendetta.”

On September 22, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Okpebholo winner of the Edo governorship election with 291,667 votes.

Asue Ighodalo of the PDP and Obaseki’s preferred candidate, polled second with 247,274 votes.

Ighodalo has promised to challenge the outcome of the election in court.

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Wike Appoints Lere Olayinka As SSA On Public Communication And Social Media

The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has appointed Mr. Olalere James Olayinka as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, effective immediately.

Mr. Olayinka, a seasoned media and communications professional, brings over 20 years of experience in journalism, public relations, and media management. His career spans a wide range of roles in both the public and private sectors.

Mr. Olayinka has held various positions, including but not limited to the following:

CEO of Our Peoples FM, Ado-Ekiti, (2018 till date)
Publisher. Wazobia Reporters Online
Special Assistant on Public Communications to the Governor of Ekiti State (2014 – 2018),
Director-General of the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State (2014 – 2018),
Media Adviser to the Minister of State for Works in 2018
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Class Magazine (2003 – 2007),
Born on October 1, 1972, Mr Olayinka hails from Okemesi, Ekiti State and is a graduate of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos, where he obtained a diploma in Journalism

As Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Mr. Olayinka will oversee the development of communication strategies to improve public awareness of government activities and facilitate stronger engagement between the FCT Administration and the public.

Mr. Olayinka is married with children.