Obaseki Speaks On Oshiomhole’s Pension

By Emmanuel Adigwe

Governor Godwin Obaseki has said that he would not follow the example of Lagos State in tampering with the pension of former governors of Edo State which came into existence after his former political benefactor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole left office.

Speaking in an interview following his inauguration for the second term on Thursday, Obaseki confessed that he and Oshiomhole were yet to make any contact since the election.

He, however, said that he would reach out to Oshiomhole if he perceived that the former governor could make a positive input into governance. He nevertheless said that the former leader was in a position to make such an input.

He also said that he had yet to make contact with Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, his rival in the September 19 governorship election.

Asked in the Channels Television interview if he would abrogate the pension for former governors as was done in Lagos recently by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Edo State governor said:

“The emoluments to former political office holders is not much and limiting out ability to perform, so it is not a priority for me.

In Edo State, the pension law for former governors was started after the expiration of the term of the ‘Comrade Governor’, Oshiomhole. The law provides him a house in any location of his choice to the tune of N200 million while his deputy got N100 million, pension for life at 100 per cent of his last salary, three brand new cars after five years, drivers, domestic members of staff, medical bills for them and their immediate families, amongst many others.

Asked if he has heard from Oshiomhole since after the election, Governor Obaseki said:

“He has not reached out to me and that is not his nature. The election is over and I think the people of Edo State have spoken. Following on that we have appealed to the people on the other side and we actually campaigned on certain issues.”

He, however, said that in trying to make peace that he would not go back on his pledge to use government resources for the people.

“Reconciliation does not mean us going on to do what they want us to do. If they find anything wrong with what we are doing, they can speak out. We don’t have any malice, we don’t have any bitterness, we went to the polls and the people spoke out loud and clear,” he said.

Asked if he would reach out to Oshiomhole, he said:

“If I find out that there he has anything to contribute I will reach out to him,” but quickly added that for now that he does not see what the former governor can offer.

The Edo State governor pledged that one out of every three persons that would enter government would be a woman in line with his pro-gender stance on governance.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG