God will punish selfish leaders, says former Edo Governor Obaseki

Godwin Obaseki, former governor of Edo State, has warned that politicians who acquire power for selfish reasons will face divine punishment, stressing that political authority is a responsibility given by God to serve the people.

In a video shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Obaseki said the true essence of politics is not the acquisition of power but the use of that power to improve the lives of citizens and glorify God.

According to the former governor, leaders who enrich themselves and their inner circles after gaining power have failed both God and the people they were elected to serve.

“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,” Obaseki said.

“Because if God has given you power and you cannot use that power directly for Him and to glorify Him, then I don’t see how you will do it.”

Obaseki described power as a divine trust that must be exercised in service to humanity, adding that leaders who ignore the suffering of the people while enjoying privilege have missed the purpose of leadership.

Reflecting on his tenure, the former governor said he has no regrets about how he governed Edo State and would not change his approach if given another opportunity.

“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, quicker and faster,” he said.

He noted that although his administration prioritised reforms, particularly in the education sector, he wished some initiatives had started earlier so their impact would have been more visible by the time he left office.

Obaseki also explained that his support for a successor was deliberate and aimed at ensuring continuity of policies and reforms introduced during his administration.

“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.

The former governor further warned against the dismantling of programmes initiated by previous administrations, noting that such actions ultimately harm ordinary citizens rather than former leaders.

“When I see people trying to destroy what we did, I say you add to what you met, not destroy it,” he said.

“You’re not hurting me. If 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 refused to open.”

Obaseki questioned how leaders could remain comfortable in power while citizens struggle with hunger and hardship, insisting that leadership without compassion defeats the purpose of governance.

“How can somebody gain power today and sleep well and be happy, seeing that so many people are not able to eat and suffer? Because God has given you power, you don’t see the purpose,” he added.