Edo: I’m Afraid Of What Will Happen When I Leave Office – Gov Obaseki Speaks Out

Though not due to leave office until his tenure expires in 2024, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has expressed fears about what will happen when he is no longer a Governor.

Naija News, however, reports that that the governor wasn’t speaking about what will happen to him as a person but what will happen to institutions in the state.

Obaseki said that is why his administration is concentrating on strengthening institutions because he understands that people and government come and go but institutions remain.

He spoke on Sunday in Benin, the State capital during the thanksgiving service organized to mark the 87th birthday of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.

According to him, “We have been strengthening and re-enacting quality education in the state across basic, secondary and tertiary education and re-investing in them in the last five years.

“In the area of media, we are rebuilding the Observer brand, and the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) Radio and Television brand.

“We are strengthening them as institutions and equipping them with world-class technology.

“But my biggest challenge is what will happen when I leave office. People are saying, how are we sure that the reforms and changes we have made and implementing will continue when I leave office?”

He reiterated that only institutions last forever and that is why it is better to focus on the civil service rather than political appointees.

“But the structures and institutions that we are building will certainly remain and continue to sustain our developmental strides.”

Speaking about the celebrant, Governor Obaseki described Igbinedion as a generational gift.

He said, “We thank God for the life of our father, Chief Igbinedion, as he celebrates his 87th birthday.

“He is a generational gift; he has seen and done it all. We thank God for his life of giving, hard work, and generosity.”

In his homily, Archbishop of Metropolitan See of Benin, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubueze, said, “Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Igbinedion has lived his life for others, ensuring that he spreads happiness.”