Godwin Obaseki, former governor of Edo State, has warned that politicians who deploy political power for selfish interests rather than public good will face divine punishment.
Obaseki spoke in a video shared on his official X account, where he said the essence of politics is not the acquisition of power but the use of authority to improve the lives of citizens.
According to him, leaders who enrich themselves and their inner circles after assuming office have failed both God and the people who entrusted them with power.
“If you are in politics to get power, and you get the power and it is only for you and your friends and those close to you, then God will punish you,” Obaseki said.
He described power as a divine responsibility, stressing that leaders are expected to use it in service to humanity and in a manner that glorifies God.
“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,” he added.
The former governor said he had no regrets about his time in office, noting that he would not change his approach if given another opportunity.
“What would I do differently if I had another opportunity? Nothing. I would do it the same way — in fact, quicker and faster,” he said.
Reflecting on his administration’s focus on education, Obaseki said he wished some reforms had begun earlier to allow their impact to be more visible before he left office.
He also said his support for a successor was deliberate, aimed at ensuring continuity of policies and reforms initiated during his tenure.
“This is why we fought to bring someone I know will continue. Everything I did was planned and done for the benefit of the people — not for me,” he said.
Obaseki further warned against dismantling programmes introduced by previous administrations, arguing that such actions ultimately harm ordinary citizens rather than former office holders.
“When you destroy what you met, you are not hurting me,” he said. “If you remove health insurance or close hospitals, it is not me who will suffer. It could be your brother or sister tomorrow who will need treatment.”
He questioned the morality of political leadership that ignores widespread hardship.
“How can someone gain power and sleep well, knowing that so many people cannot eat and are suffering?” he asked. “What is the purpose of power if it is not used to serve the people?”
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