Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north, has called on Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, to investigate Godwin Obaseki, immediate past governor of the state.

Oshiomhole, also a former governor of the state and Obaseki’s predecessor, made the call on Thursday at an event to celebrate the supreme court judgement affirming Okpebholo’s election victory.

Oshiomhole said now that the supreme court judgement has been made, Okpebholo now has time “to look at that hotel where Edo state money in tens of billions of dollars was taken”.

“And now we are told Edo is a minority shareholder. You now have time to look into that,” Oshiomhole said.

The Edo government, under the leadership of Obaseki, initiated the Radisson Hotel Project as part of its strategy to boost tourism and stimulate economic growth.

However, there have been concerns about the handling of the funds for the project and the ownership structure of the hotel, with allegations of ceding 80 percent ownership to a private company despite the state’s initial investment.

Oshiomhole said the governor now has time to revisit all the roads that were built and washed up, “compared to the ones I did, which are still there”.

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“So by the time your Excellency now has time for the second rematch, Obaseki will have to come out from hiding to answer to those questions. We have come to rescue Edo, but to rescue means you must also investigate,” Oshiomhole said.

“How did we get here? So that in the future nobody will get there. God will give you the wisdom, the energy and everything required to keep our state going.

“I now challenge Obaseki to come to Edo; let us work as former governors. Let us all walk on the streets of Benin. Let’s see who did what to affect the life of the people.”

Oshiomhole hailed Okpebholo, adding that his administration has brought unity to the state.

“Governor Monday, what God has put to stand, no man can bring down. And when He gives you a job, He will not give you luggage that your neck cannot bear,” he said.

“I don’t know when I last saw a collection of men and women from across the local governments of Edo within minutes. It shows that beyond building roads and schools, we also have to build the unity of our people. This is critical.

“As a state that is a minority in terms of nationality and politics, the unity of our people is essential.”