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  • Why Obaseki cannot campaign with Ighodalo, by Ize-Iyamu

    Why Obaseki cannot campaign with Ighodalo, by Ize-Iyamu

    The former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has declared Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki is not campaigning with the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) standard bearer Dr. Asue Ighodalo because of poor performance.

    Ize-Iyamu, who was the governorship candidate of thePDP in 2016, spoke in a television programme. But Deputy Director-General, Media and Publicity, Asue Ighodalo/Osarodion Ogie Campaign Management Council, Rev. Olu Martins, faulted his assessment, accusing Ize-Iyamu of being economical with the truth.

    Ize-Iyamu said the disillusion in Obaseki’s administration was the reason most people wanted to join the APC’s Senator Monday Okpebholo’s campaign council in Edo ahead of the September 21 poll

    He said: “Obaseki is my senior brother. I give him great respect, but the reality is that he has not done well. That is why everywhere Ighodalo goes for campaign, he (Ighodalo) does not go with him (Obaseki). 

    “Obaseki’s betrayal of a former National Chairman of APC, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, is still fresh in the memory of Nigerians. He (Obaseki) tried to ban him (Oshiomhole) from his own state, not minding the fact that he is a two-term Governor of Edo State. Obaseki rode on the back of Comrade Oshiomhole to become Edo Governor, but he later worked against his benefactor.

    Read Also: Pro-Obaseki PDP members expel Orbih’s ally for alleged anti-party activities

    “Senator Oshiomhole is not a fool. He (Oshiomhole) knows those who are his friends. Winning Edo State is a top priority for APC, and the interest of Edo people must be protected.”

    Ize-Iyamu, a former Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), also stated that he was not interested in the outspokenness of the APC’s governorship candidate Okpebholo but his record of outstanding performance.

    He declared that Edo voters were in a hurry to change the PDP’s government come September. 

    According to him: “Most Edo residents are not happy with Obaseki. A lot of money has come into Edo State in the past eight years but there is only a little to show for it.

    “Edo is the most indebted state in the Southsouth zone of Nigeria. All we hear in Edo State is Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), which have not translated to any serious development.

    “We have a Governor, Obaseki, who has been talking, without optimal performance. I am not interested in how well Okpebholo speaks, what is more important to us is that the governorship candidate of APC in Edo means well for the suffering residents of the state.”

  • Edo 2024: Ize-Iyamu quits race as 11 battle for APC ticket

    Edo 2024: Ize-Iyamu quits race as 11 battle for APC ticket

    An Edo State governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, unexpectedly withdrew from the race yesterday, 24 hours from today’s primary of the party.

    Ize-Iyamu had flown the APC flag in the 2020 election and the PDP flag in 2016.

    He was one of the 12 aspirants earlier cleared from a field of 29 by a committee put in place by the APC National Working Committee (NWC).

    Ize-Iyamu, in a six-paragraph letter to the National Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, said his withdrawal became “imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters.”

    He said: “Few months ago, after extensively interacting with family, friends, political associates, and supporters, I joined the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial race, as a result of my passion and commitment to the cause of rescuing Edo State from the current condition of decrepitude.

    “I entered the contest as a progressive democrat, with an open mind to keenly contest and accept the result of a process that is fair, credible and transparent. I appreciate the commendable effort made by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to correct the erroneous impression maliciously created by certain persons that some aspirants, including myself, had been disqualified from the gubernatorial contest. The NWC constituted the authentic screening committee, and all twelve aspirants who purchased and completed the nomination forms were successfully screened and subsequently issued clearance certificates. This step was praise worthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public.

    “Having been cleared to contest, I regrettably wish to announce my withdrawal from the race. Although painful, this decision has become imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters. I make this sacrifice in the interest of the peace and unity that the party desperately requires at both state and national levels.

    “I humbly appeal to the good people of Edo State to accept my decision, which is very personal, and I promise to be there for them at all times.

    Read Also: One shot dead as police arrest suspected kidnappers of Ekiti pupils

    “Thankfully, I acknowledge the fatherly role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the party’s national leadership for the fairness and commitment to the democratic process. Likewise, I remain grateful to members of the State Working Committee for their principled stand to allow a level-playing field for all aspirants. I am extremely appreciative to my family, friends, supporters, well-wishers, and the extraordinary hardworking men and women of our campaign organisation, who were prepared to stop at nothing to see me fly the party’s flag. I salute your great works, your steadfastness and courage.

     “Finally, as a loyal party man, I wish to pledge that I and my teeming supporters shall support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding tomorrow (today).”

    Political observers in the state said yesterday that Ize-Iyamu’s withdrawal might not be unconnected with his realization that the permutation seemed to favour Dennis Idahosa, who is the House of Representatives member for Ovia.

    Still in the race however are: Clem Agba, Monday Okpebholo, Lucky Imasuen, Anamero Dekeri, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Gideon Ikhine and David Imuse, Charles Airhiavbere, Oserheimen Osunbor, Blessing Agbomhere, Dennis Idahosa and Ernest Umakhihe.

  • BREAKING: Ize-Iyamu withdraws from APC primary for Edo guber election

    BREAKING: Ize-Iyamu withdraws from APC primary for Edo guber election

    Less than 24 hours to the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to elect its flag bearer for the September 21 governorship election in Edo state, a frontline aspirant of the party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has withdrawn from the race.

    He announced his withdrawal on Friday, February 16, in a statement made available to journalists.

    The withdrawal notice was addressed to the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Acting State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe.

    Full text of the withdrawal letter reads: “Few months ago, after extensively interacting with family, friends, political associates, and supporters, I joined the 2024 Edo state gubernatorial race as a result of my passion and commitment to the cause of rescuing Edo state from the current condition of decrepitude.

    “I entered the contest as a progressive democrat, with an open mind to keenly contest and accept the result of a process that is fair, credible and transparent. I appreciate the commended the effort made by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to correct the erroneous impression maliciously created by certain persons that some aspirants, including myself had been disqualified from the gubernatorial contest. The NWC constituted the authentic screening committee and all twelve aspirants who purchased and completed the nomination forms were successfully screened and subsequently issued clearance certificates. This step was praise worthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public.

    “Having being cleared to contest, I regrettably wish to announce my withdrawal from the race. Although painful, this decision has become imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters. I make this sacrifice in the interest of the peace and unity that the party desperately requires at both state and national levels.

    “I humbly appeal to the good people of Edo state to accept my decision which I very personal and I promise to be there for them at all times.

    Read Also: Ize-Iyamu: I will get Edo APC’s ticket, win gov election

    “Thankfully, I acknowledge the fatherly role of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the party’s national leadership for the fairness and commitment to the democratic process. Likewise, I remain grateful to the state working committee for their principled stand to allow a level playing field for all aspirants. I am extremely appreciative to my family, friends, supporters, well-wishers, and the extraordinary hardworking men and women of our campaign organization who were prepared to stop at nothing to see me fly the party’s flag. I salute your great works, your steadfastness and courage.

    “Finally, as a loyal party man, I wish to pledge that I and my teeming supporters shall support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding tomorrow.”

  • Ize-Iyamu: I will get Edo APC’s ticket, win gov election

    Ize-Iyamu: I will get Edo APC’s ticket, win gov election

    One of the 29 governorship aspirants on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has told his teeming supporters to be assured that he will get the party’s ticket on February 17, and win the September 21, 2024 election.

    Ize-Iyamu, who was APC’s governorship candidate during the September 19, 2020 election, and the standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2016, spoke yesterday at Benin Airport, on his return from Abuja, where he attended crucial meetings with APC’s national leaders.

    He told his numerous supporters that there was nothing to worry about, in view of his capacity, experience, intellect, and trust in the Lord.

    Ize-Iyamu, who is a senior pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), said: “I want to tell you that APC in Edo State is a united house. We may disagree in reaching the process, but at the end of the day, when we choose a candidate, we will all rally around the person. By the grace of God, and with your support, rest assured that I will get APC’s ticket, and win the election.

    “There is nothing to worry about. When you are contesting for elections, there must be intrigues, all kinds of rumours and stories. Next week, by the grace of God, I am going to collect the forms. I want to assure you that I am in the race.

    “The only people that can exclude people are members of the screening committee set up by the National Working Committee of APC. Even then, there is room for appeal. The screening committee has not been set up.

    “Any Edo person is worthy of the ticket, not to talk of somebody who was the candidate of the party. I am not a stranger. More people are saying today that I should contest. I want to assure you that I will not only contest, I will win.”

    The governorship aspirant, who hails from Benin kingdom in Edo South Senatorial District, also stated that he would not take Edo people’s support for granted.

    He said: “I was surprised when I saw the multitude, thousands of young men, women, elders, and leaders at Benin Airport to welcome me. So overwhelming. I am extremely grateful. Your support will not be in vain.”

    Ize-Iyamu also described as cordial, his relationship with the representative of Edo North senatorial district, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former Governor of Edo state, who is an ex-President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

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    He said: “My relationship with our leader, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, is very cordial, contrary to any insinuation. He is my senior brother. He is older than me. I respect age. We have worked together for many years. He is the leader of APC in Edo State. He is a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We have no problem. Even if we disagree, that cannot lead to any problem. Let me tell our followers that we need everybody, especially our leaders.

    “The fact that you hear about disagreements does not in any way mean that anybody is our enemy. In fact, the hallmark of democracy is the right to disagree, but we disagree to agree.”

    Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki, is pushing that his successor on November 12, 2024 should be from Esanland in Edo Central senatorial district, while he is backing on PDP’s platform, the aspiration of a Lagos-based lawyer, Asue Ighodalo, who hails from Ewohimi in Esan Southeast Local Government Area of Edo South senatorial district.

    Ighodalo will have to contend with on PDP’s platform, Edo Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, an indigene of Edo North senatorial district; and the eventual consensus governorship aspirant of the Legacy Coalition, led by the National Vice Chairman, Southsouth, of PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, the immediate Edo chairman of the party.

  • Ize-Iyamu joins race in APC

    Ize-Iyamu joins race in APC

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the September 19, 2020 election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has said the state needs new, competent and purposeful leadership in 2024, in order to cultivate the right collaboration, formulate appropriate policies and create the necessary framework that are not only people- oriented, but also doable, amid limited resources. 

    He also declared that Edo needed a government that would be led by one from among Edo residents, not a Lagos-based politician, apparently referring to Governor Godwin Obaseki’s anointed aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, thereby making Ize-Iyamu to present himself for the September 21, 2024 governorship race.

    Ize-Iyamu, an indigene of Benin Kingdom in Edo South Senatorial District, who is also the governorship candidate of PDP in 2016 in Edo State, but was defeated by Obaseki, then of APC, before defecting to PDP on June 19, 2020, spoke yesterday in Benin while declaring to succeed Obaseki on November 12, 2024.

    He said Edo residents ”cannot continue this way, if they are to safeguard the future of their children and generations yet unborn.”

    Read Also: Nigeria is in good hands, Tinubu assures citizens

    Ize-Iyamu, a senior pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), said: “We need to steer Edo State from the direction of parlousness, insincere governance and rudderlessness. For over seven years, Edo people have had to endure governance by propaganda and falsehood, and the use of government institutions for the purpose of personal vendetta and the oppression of her citizens. 

    “Edo State government has denied the people the best practice approach to continuous growth, because it lacks a comprehensive, realisable and sustainable plan that encompasses the improvement of infrastructure, health, education, human resource development, job creation, industrialisation, agriculture, security and the refinement of municipal services such as the provision of potable water and electricity. 

    “Despite the receipt of colossal revenue, Edo State remains terribly underdeveloped and with the government enmeshed in brazen corruption and larceny. A classic example of this government’s ineptitude is the perennial flooding that has ravaged most parts of Edo, as a result of scant road maintenance and a deliberate decision to abandon the Benin storm water project, started by the administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.”

  • Edo 2024: Will Osagie Ize-Iyamu run?

    Edo 2024: Will Osagie Ize-Iyamu run?

    As the last days, months perhaps, of the Godwin Obaseki administration is idling away, Edolites will again be on the lookout for a new helmsman to lead the state to its rightful place amongst its other peers that make up the Nigerian Federation.

     Governor Obaseki, who may have done his best as the 5th democratically elected governor of our dear state will hand over to his successor come the 13th of November, 2024. Many have obviously thrown their hats into the ring, while a number of others who are the big masquerades are still weighing up the decision on whether to run or not.  While it is not in doubt that amongst the first and second categories lie a number of capable administrators and accomplished persons, a number of Gen Z  people will be looking for more accomplishing values amongst these aspirants. Unlike other past generations X and Y, Gen Zs are passionate about who governs us and radically enthusiastic in righting the wrongs meted out on the poor people of Edo State, who have been at the mercy of such poor administrations, most notably, this outgoing one. 

    To the Gen Z’s, we are no longer moved by the sharing of monies, bags of rice, beans, spaghetti, noodles, salt, and cash, neither are we moved by highfalutin

     speeches with nerve-racking slogans immersed into such a discourse or speech. We won’t be traded like the votes of our fathers and elders. Pained by the failure of the state to revive its glory days in security, education, infrastructure, experienced last in the days of Comrade Adams Oshiomole and previously in the days of Ambrose Ali and Brigadier General Sam Ogbemudia, efforts which put our state not only in the frontlines of developed states but also on the global stage, this Generation Z intends to restore such, using our votes.

    Obaseki’s successor must be someone who will be in sync with the political sensitivities of the average Edo youth who are desirous of a sweeping action in a whole lot of sectors in which our generation would be the immediate beneficiaries.

    We need someone who has been connecting with us via mentoring, cross-fertilizing of ideas at various foras and has rallied around the issue of youth empowerment, not just paying lip service but providing action where it is needed.

    Such a person in Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu meets all the criteria and the following

    Experience and political knowledge: Ize-Iyamu having served in various political and leadership roles throughout his career is likely to be the most experienced to lead the state in 2024 and such strategically positions him well to lead the state effectively.

    His outlined vision and development agenda is one of a kind. From his venture into politics and even now, Ize-Iyamu has shown a more than strong commitment to the development and progress of Edo State and its citizens. In his numerous engagements with the average Edolite has always outlined comprehensive plans for improving infrastructure, economic growth, education, healthcare, and job creation. These sectors are the crux of the yearnings of Gen Z voters as governor, we believe he would have the opportunity to implement these plans and bring massive positive changes to the state.

    Ize-Iyamu also has displayed strong leadership qualities: His high sense of dedication, integrity, and commitment to a better Edo State is quite inspiring and despite the few setbacks he has consistently shown his ability to mobilize support and build coalitions on ideas and policies that will surely outlast any generation. Such resourcefulness is what is needed if we are to effectively manage the affairs of the state and deliver the hopes of the common man in the state known as Nigeria’s heartbeat.

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    Having fleetingly dwelt on or mentioned youth empowerment earlier as criteria required by Gen Zs, it is important that I expound on the topic which has been so heavily trivialized in our clime. Youth empowerment for us goes beyond the mere purchase of wheelbarrows, tricycles, buses, and cars for youths with little or no skills! Its scope has grown above the outdated delivery of sewing, grinding, and other accessories that we can think of. What skills do these youths have to manage such a business?  Most times, these contrived startups fail from the word go leaving such youths trapped in the vicious cycle of unemployment and crime.

    Ize-Iyamu has demonstrated a commitment to empowering the youth. He has initiated and collaborated on numerous front, programmes aimed at equipping young people with skills and entrepreneurial training to enable them to become self-reliant. Ize-Iyamu’s youth empowerment approach is all-encompassing as it leaves out no set of youths but is built on developing the skill set of such youths which is what Edo needs now if it is to ever become competitive as a state and wean itself from the ugly situation it finds itself in.

    On education, which is another key factor crucial to the support of Gen Zs, Ize-Iyamu again has shown a dedication to improving the quality of education in Edo State. As an ordinary citizen, he has advocated for increased funding for education, as well as the provision of necessary infrastructure and resources in schools, teacher training, and staff welfare inclusive. He understands that it is not fair to arbitrarily raise the fees of state government-owned academic institutions, scaring away the children of the poor from access to such. Ize-Iyamu will prioritize quality education at all levels and is poised to bring back the glory days of education as it then was in old  Bendel State.

     As I conclude, it is important for readers to know that the decision to run for governor is a personal one; however, the ideal reason for public service has never been borne of personal gain or comfort. Knowing that Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu shares these sentiments is a guarantee that the Orhionmwon-born politician will readily rise to meet the challenges of the Edo people, particularly we the Gen Z population, we await such a day as History will too.

    • Imahe is a budding fashion entrepreneur and writes from Benin, Edo State.

  • Ize-Iyamu, Orbih, other Edo PDP leaders to spend weekend in prison

    FOUR leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Chief Dan Orbih, Tony Azegbemi and Efe Anthony will spend the weekend in prison for failing to meet the bail conditions given to them by Justice P.I Adjokwu. The embattled politicians accused the state governor, Godwin Obaseki of frustrating their bail conditions.

    They, alongside a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress and former Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Imasuen, were arraigned on Thursday on eight count charge of laundering the sum of N700m. The accused were granted a bail of N10 million each, with sureties in like sum who must be on grade level 16 and above and must be house owners, with Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) that should be deposited with the court’s deputy registrar.

    After failing to perfect their bail, the PDP leaders blamed the state governor for their predicament, alleging that he had instructed officials of the state Ministry of Lands not to verify the land documents presented as part of the bail condition. Their allegations were contained in a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Chris Nehikhare. According to the statement: “Since 8am, the Edo State government has refused to sign all documents for Edo PDP leaders’ bail for obvious political differences. “Acting on the instructions of Governor Godwin Obaseki, all the documents relating to the verification were locked up in Hon. Evboumwan’s office.

    This obvious action to deny us justice is malicious, infantile and irresponsible political vendetta. “We condemn the Edo State government’s decision to play politics with peoples’ rights. “We want to assure all our party members that our leaders in this unjust captivity are in good spirits. They urge you to remain steadfast and committed to the just course of mobilising to vote out APC in the coming elections. “They have elected to sign only that of Chief Lucky Imasuen because of his current membership of the APC. Lucky Imasuen has insisted that his own cannot be separated from the rest of those charged with him.” But Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, urged the PDP leaders to focus on facing justice and not bring the governor into their mess.

  • Ize-Iyamu, Orbih, others docked over N700m fraud

    A former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, a former Edo Deputy governor, Mr, Lucky Imasuen, a former member of the House of Representatives, Tony Azegbemi and Mr. Efe Anthonythe were yesterday arraigned at the Federal High Court in Benin City for allegedly laundering N700 million.

    The money was used to prosecute the 2015 general elections. Their supporters stormed the court. Placards carried by the protesters read, “Nigeria belongs to us all”, “Free Ize-Iyamu”, “EFCC release Pastor Ize-Iyamu”and “No gentleman in corruption.”

    The court room was packed  but some PDP chieftains were asked to leave to enable lawyers have place to seat.

    In the suit, former Chairman, Board of Trustee of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih was listed as being at large.

    The suspects were arraigned on an eight-count charge of money laundering.

    In the charges preferred against Pastor Ize-Iyamu and others, the EFCC accused them of taking possession and control of the sum of N700m without any contract award which they ought to know the money from part of an unlawful act.

    They were also alleged to have make cash payment of N60,650,000 to one Henry Tenebe of Estako West local government and N61,647,000 to one Momoh Andrew Ojo of Akoko-Edo without going through a financial institution.

    In count five, six and seven, they were alleged to have make cash payment of N83,473,000, N125,993,000 and N105,000,000 to Deacon Ezekiel Egharevba, Thomas Aroko and Scott Osagiede respectively without going through a financial institution.

    They however pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

    Counsel to the suspects, Charles Edosomwan (Ize-Iyamu) Dr. O.G Izevbuwa (Imasuen) Kehinde Ogunsumi (Azegbemi) Ferdinand Orbih (Dan Orbih) and Prof. Jim Akhere Akhere in their bail applications pleaded that their clients be granted bail on self recognisance.

    They urged the court to grant their clients bail on a liberal and non-stringent condition because they willingly submitted themselves to the EFCC.

    The Counsel said their clients were known members of their communities and would not jump bail.

    They also argued that their clients have been in EFCC custody for 11 days.

    But the EFCC Counsel, Larry Peters Aso, argued that the bio-data of the suspects have not been captured and urged the Judge to direct stringent bail condition and money to ensure the defendants are in court.

    The presiding Judge, Justice P.I Adjokwu, in her ruling said she exercised her discretion to grant them bail.

    Justice Adjokwu granted bail to the five accused persons in N10m each and a surety in like sum who must be a public servant in the rank of level 16 and above.

    The sureties. according to the Judge, are to deposite the C.of O of their building with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.

    Edosomwan however pleaded that the accused persons be remanded to the EFCC custody pending when the bail conditions are met but Justice Adjokwu said it was beyond her powers.

    Justice Adjokwu further remanded them to prison custody pending when they meet their bail conditions and adjourned sitting to July 4th, 2018.

    As at press time, supporters of the PDP were still at the court waiting for the bail conditions to be perfected.

     

     

     

  • PDP candidate Ize-Iyamu strategies for 2020

    PDP candidate Ize-Iyamu strategies for 2020

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is not giving up on his quest to govern Edo State. His supporters said he is still interested in seeking the ticket to contest in the 2020 governorship poll. His attempt at occupying the Osadebey Avenue  in 2016 failed. He challenged the outcome of the election to the Supreme Court. What perhaps Pastor Ize-Iyamu is hoping for the defeat of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in next year’s general election.

    Ize-Iyamu started nursing ambition to be Edo governor since when he served under the administration of Chief Lucky Igbinedion as Chief of Staff and Secretary tô the government. Having fallen out with the powers that be in the Pastor Ize-Iyamu and others formed the Grace Group, which later metamorphosed into the defunct Action Congress of Nigerian and now the All Progressive Congress.

    He left the APC for the PDP after it became clear to him that former Governor Adams Oshiomhole would not support his ambition. He realised the game plan of Oshiomhole when he failed to get grasp of the party machinery in the party congresses.

    Pastor Ize-Iyamu said he left the APC because Oshiomhole promised to support his candidacy as his successor, adding that he joined the PDP because he believed the party was the best vehicle to reach his destination.

    He said: “Oshiomhole himself publicly and privately has come to me to say Pastor I appreciate the support you have given to me. I know how competent you are. When the time comes I will support you to become the governor. If he denies it, it will completely show he is not a man of his words.

    “The issue is somebody has consistently promised me to become the governor but with the way Comrade has been going, by 2016, I don’t think there will be any APC for somebody to say he wants to run the ticket on.

    “The APC today has become an animal farm. Everything we condemned is now in place. The governor wanted the conduct the congress in an undemocratic way by asking me to take five wards and the deputy takes five wards. He was so petrified about Pastor Ize-Iyamu being in control that he wanted me to become a minority.”

    On why he did not emerge governor in 2007, Pastor Ize-Iyamu said, in 2015, he rejected a plot to be installed as a successor to Igbinedion because he felt it was wrong for him to succeed a fellow Benin man, based on his belief in equity and fairness and that wanted somebody from another senatorial district to be made governor.

    He said: “I could have been governor in 2007 but I said a Benin man has been governor for eight years. I said a Benin man cannot become governor again.

    “I said we must look for someone in Afemai to become governor. We now founded our group and finished everything when they brought Oshiomhole. They said we must help him. So I asked Oshiomhole if he wanted to become governor and he said yes, but that he didn’t  know anybody since he came from Kaduna and Abuja.

    “The election was so tough that three people died in the election. When he became governor, we realised that he had a different thing in mind.  People were angry and came to tell me that we have sold a ‘bad market, to them.

    “I however did not want to truncate Edo North’s two term and said that God will touch his heart in the second term. To be sure that I was with him, he made me the director general of his campaign. The moment he won, he said: “this Pastor who has been doing anyhow, I must drive him away. That was how he (Oshiomhole) started to fight me.”

    However, since his petition was thrown out by the Supreme Court, Pastor Ize-Iyamu has been strategising on how to win in 2020. He has managed to keep his followers within the PDP. His supporters threw a welcome party for him after the Supreme Court verdict and they staged a road show to showcase their strength

    Pastor Ize-Iyamu begged his supporters not to leave the party but to remain focused and committed to the growth of the party as four years of the APC in the state was not forever.

    His words: “We belong to one family. The PDP must not scatter. Don’t lose up. Don’t give up. Let us be united. Let the other side be scared of our unity.

    “Our party people, I want to tell you that you have not been defeated. Edo people knew how the election went and I believed that they can hold their heads high. Four years is not the end of the world. In the next three, four years, we will do an election again in the state,” he said.

    As a way of testing his popularity within the PDP, Pastor Ize-Iyamu joined the state PDP leadership in its recent tour of the 18 local government areas. He was allowed to address party members in all the meetings.

    The Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, explained that Pastor Ize-Iyamu remains the party’s candidate, until the court rules on a suit challenging the qualification of Governor Obaseki.

    Orbih, who said he cannot abandon Ize-Iyamu in the middle of the river, said that until Pastor Ize-Iyamu gets into that position (governor) he would not be tired of supporting him.

    He added: “Even if I am no longer chairman of the PDP, I will still support him. It is proper for me to do what I am doing now. This is because we still have a pre-election matter in court challenging the qualification of Governor Obaseki. Until the case is decided, he remains a candidate of the PDP. Until that case is decided, we will accord him all privileges.”

    Assuring PDP supporters that the 2019 general election is the time for the party to return to power, Pastor Ize-Iyamu noted that the focus should be on the presidential election as according to him, if the PDP gets the federal government, the state government will fall.

    Ize-Iyamu however, warned that, for the PDP to secure victory, its members must reconcile and forgive one another, reorganize and rededicate themselves to the values of the party.

    He said: “Let us forgive ourselves. We made mistakes but we must reconcile. If we continue to quarrel, the unity we need to achieve victory in 2019 will not be there.

    “We need to rededicate ourselves to the values and principles of the PDP. The moment you hear PDP has won in February, just know that Edo will become a PDP state.”

     

  • Ize-Iyamu congratulates Obaseki

    Ize-Iyamu congratulates Obaseki

    Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 28 governorship election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has congratulated Governor Godwin Obaseki on yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling which affirmed his election.

    Pastor Ize-Iyamu, whose petition was dismissed for lack of merit, assured  Obaseki of his goodwill.

    In a statement issued in Benin City, Pastor Ize-Iyamu said the Supreme Court verdict has brought an end to his struggle for the office of the governor of Edo State.

    According to the statement, “I accept in good faith this decision of the highest court of our country, which affirms Mr Godwin Obaseki as the Governor of Edo State. I therefore congratulate Mr Godwin Obaseki and assure him of my goodwill.

    “I also want to use this opportunity to thank all our supporters and party men and women for their immense support for our struggle right from the time of the election to this day that it ended at the Supreme Court. Let me assure them of my acknowledgement of their various sacrifices and promise that I will always be there for them.

    “I thank all Edo people who have been part of our struggle all the way. In our various ways we should keep the fire burning in the quest for an Edo State of our dreams.”