Former Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has stated that politicians who enrich themselves after gaining power have failed God and the people.
Speaking via a video shared on 𝕏, he warned that God will punish political leaders who use their power to enrich themselves and their family members.
He argued that, in his view, power is a divine responsibility that must be used in service to humanity and to glorify God.
He said, “If you are in politics to get power, and you get the power and it’s only for you and your friends and the people close to you, then God will punish you.
“Because if God has given you power, and you cannot use that power directly for Him, glorify Him, then I don’t see how you will do it.”
The former governor said he had no regrets about his time in office and would not change his approach if given the opportunity again.
“What would I do differently if I had another opportunity? Nothing. I will do it in the same way. In fact, I will do it even more. I will do that quicker and faster,” he said.
Referencing his administration’s focus on education, Obaseki said he wished he had begun some reforms earlier so their impact would be even more visible by the time he left office.
Obaseki also noted that his support for a successor was part of a deliberate effort to ensure continuity of policies and reforms.
“This is why we fought to bring someone I know will continue. Everything I did was planned. All the actions I took were for the benefit of the people. Not for me,” he said
He also warned that the dismantling of programmes introduced by his administration would ultimately harm ordinary citizens, not former leaders.
“When I see people trying to destroy what we did, I say you add to what you met, not destroy it.
“You’re not hurting me. You remove health insurance or close hospitals down, am I the one that will get treatment from there? It might even be your brother or sister tomorrow who will need treatment from that hospital you have refused to open.
“How can somebody gain power today, and sleep well and be happy, seeing that so many people are not able to eat and suffer? What is the purpose? Because God has given you power, you don’t see the purpose,” Obasaki said.