Iyamu’s homecoming: Setting the records straight

John Mayaki

THE motives of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu in his recent move from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in Edo State have been a matter of public debate for weeks, with many political gladiators and analysts having their say, sometimes even projecting their views on the astute politician. But while there may be differing subjective interpretations of what took place and the things that propelled Ize Iyamu, the truth remains the same and is immune to change.

So what is the truth to Iyamu’s exit from the party he flew its flag in an election three years ago and why the choice of the All Progressives Congress? Some say it is a desperate act to attain power. But that is incongruous with the reality, especially in light of the crisis rocking the APC in the state wherein the governor, in a desperate bid to centralize power and impose himself on those who have rejected him, is manipulating state agencies and blatantly disregarding the law.

For anyone seeking an easy route to power, the facts are clear and incontrovertible, the APC in Edo State doesn’t present that path. There is a governor who is keen on returning for another term and other political actors queuing up to replace him. While it doesn’t make it an impossible task and the party, relying on the enduring legacy of the eight years of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, may remain the most popular in the state, it is evident that the road to a ticket is long and fraught with many hurdles.

Others say Ize-Iyamu is seeking to ride on the coattail of others to power by choosing the APC but again, this claim flies in the face of logic and fails to reconcile itself with obtainable facts. Ize Iyamu’s years as a political mobilizer and public officer has seen his stock rise to dizzying heights in the state. He was the same man who beginning in 1998 when the country was readying itself for a return to democracy, raised himself by his bootstraps and worked tenaciously to ensure the emergence of Lucky Igbinedion and earning an appointment as the governor’s chief of staff, beginning the journey of a hugely successful political career that culminated in him being a candidate for the office himself.

In 2016, after many political battles and victories and a steady rise in government, Iyamu, as a candidate, against great odds, convinced over 250,000 people to put their thumbs to his name, claiming several local governments and thus affirming to all that his structure is not only formidable but capable of delivering the most valuable commodity in every democracy: votes. He, therefore, cannot be named in the company of those seeking to ride on anyone’s coattail or profiting for a movement; Ize Iyamu is a movement.

His return to the APC, a party he helped build from the ground, has been bolstered by the company of other notable political leaders and mobilizers, down to wards in Edo State, who are making the switch with him. There is Prince Tony Omoaghe Bright Omokhodion. Monday Ehighalua, Mallam Abu Momodu, Chief Frank Erewele , Monday Okpebholo  to mention a few names from the long and fast-growing of hundreds of political giants riding on the same train as Ize Iyamu.

So, having laid to rest all of the frivolous claims attending the move of Iyamu to the APC, it only speaks to reason to highlight his genuine motives and align them with verifiable facts.

“We are in politics principally to be able to represent our people in the political arena. We are in politics because we see it as an avenue to government and it is only through government that we can attract amenities to our people,” Iyamu had said when quizzed on his switch of parties, providing an explanation that reflects his values and reason for being a politician.

There are different classes of politicians; those who are driven by ideology and uncommon devotion to the people and those who are driven by personal gain. Iyamu belongs to the dignified class of the former and at the core of everything political move he makes is getting the best bargain for the masses of Edo State, many of whom have come to trust him over the years.

Political parties are important to the degree that they deliver growth and development to the people. Iyamu knows this and this is why he has made the bold move to join the party through which he can best accomplish his goals. He has joined a group of progressives, bar a few deterrents and black sheep who would soon be shown the exit. He is clear-eyed on what his mission is and that parties are important vehicles that can be switched when they are no longer fit for purpose.