Former Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has issued a stern warning to politicians across Nigeria, stating that those who acquire political power and use it for selfish personal enrichment rather than public service will face divine retribution.
A Divine Warning Against Selfish Leadership
Obaseki delivered this powerful message in a video reflection shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on December 19, 2025. He stressed that political authority is not a tool for personal aggrandizement but a sacred trust accompanied by profound moral responsibility.
"If you are in politics just to get power, and when you get that power it is only for you, your friends and those close to you, then God will punish you," the former governor declared unequivocally. He elaborated that power is divinely permitted for the sole purpose of service, and leaders who exploit it betray both God and the electorate who placed them in office.
He further explained his philosophy, stating, "Power is given by God for a purpose. If God has given you power and you cannot use it to serve Him by serving the people and glorifying His name, then you have missed the essence of leadership."
Obaseki Defends His Legacy and Policy Continuity
Reflecting on his own two-term tenure which ended in 2024, Obaseki expressed no regrets. He maintained that every major decision he took was meticulously planned and executed in the interest of the people of Edo State.
"I have no regrets about my time in office. If I am given another opportunity, I won't change anything. In fact, I will do the same things even more, and I will do them quicker and faster," he asserted with confidence.
A key point of his reflection was the importance of policy continuity for sustainable development. He defended his active role in supporting a successor, explaining it was a strategic move to ensure the reforms and policies initiated under his administration, particularly in the education sector, were not abandoned.
He voiced strong criticism against leaders who habitually dismantle programmes established by previous administrations, warning that such actions inflict direct harm on ordinary citizens. "When I see people trying to destroy what we did, I say you are supposed to add to what you met, not destroy it," Obaseki stated. He emphasized that scrapping public services hurts the populace, not the former leaders.
A Broader Context of Leadership and Conscience
The former governor also questioned the conscience of leaders who remain in comfort while the citizens they govern struggle to meet basic needs like feeding themselves. His comments come at a time of intense national discourse about governance, accountability, and the socio-economic hardship facing many Nigerians.
This strong statement from a significant political figure like Obaseki adds to the ongoing conversation about the purpose of political power in Nigeria. It serves as both a moral admonition and a defense of a governance legacy focused on institutional reforms and public service over personal gain.
The news follows a recent administrative change in Edo State under the current governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who removed Fred Itua as his Chief Press Secretary and appointed Akhere Patrick Ebojele in his place.
