I don’t care if my successor betrays me - Oshiomhole

Governor Adams Oshiomhole dismisses fears of being betrayed by his successor, Godwin Obaseki 

Oshiomhole says there is nothing in the oath of office to be taken by Obaseki that stipulates that he shall not betray his predecessor 

The state governor explains that such conflict of interest often arises when former governors refuse to accept that their tenure is over Governor Adams Oshiomhole Edo state says he does not care if his successor, Godwin Obaseki, betrays him.  

Oshiomhole says Obaseki who won the Edo gubernatorial election on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) owes his obligation and loyalty to the people of Edo state. 

Daily Trust reports that Oshiomhole told reporters after a meeting between the Progressive Governors’ Forum and President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, that he had no interest to be betrayed. 

He said he does not care if his successor, Godwin Obaseki, betrays him, noting that there is nothing in the oath of office to be taken by Obaseki that stipulates that he shall not betray his predecessor. 

Oshiomhole made the remarks when responding to a question on whether he was worried that he and Obaseki might later fall out with each other as witnessed in some other states where ex-governors had conflicts with their successors. 

He explained that such conflict often arises when former governors refuse to accept that their tenure is over. 

“That is very important if you say he (Obaseki) will disappoint me, I am not the state. 

I am only one out of about four million Edo people. So, his obligation and his loyalty should be to the people of Edo State,” he said. “The oath of office he is going to subscribe to says that he will defend the constitution of Nigeria, he will do everything to uplift the quality of lives of Edo people.

Nothing in his oath office will include ‘I shall not betray my predecessor’ because I have no interest to be betrayed.” 

Meanwhile, the Edo state election petition tribunal sitting in Benin, on Tuesday granted an exparte motion to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the September 28 governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, to inspect all materials used in the conduct of the election. Presenting the nine-paragraph affidavit before the Hon. Justice A.

Badamasi-led Tribunal, Counsel to the Petitioners, Barr. Kingsley Obamogie, said it was in compliance with Section 151 of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended.