– Edo people insist in online poll

An online poll conducted by the PUNCH online, one of Nigeria’s most read news website, has revealed that the people of Edo State believe that the PDP, represented at the Sept. 19 Edo Governorship election by incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki, is likely to arm-strong the electoral body, INEC, and manipulate the outcome of the election.

In a social research carried out on its data site, the newspaper asked if the people thought the APC is likely to arm-strong INEC and manipulate the outcome of the Governorship election as was alleged by the PDP.

However, the majority of voters, most of whom are residents in Edo State, disagreed with the assertion, stating on the contrary that the opposition PDP is the political party most likely to embark on such activities.

The outcome of the poll reflects sentiments expressed offline in the State. Controversy still trails the late emergence of Governor Godwin Obaseki as the candidate of the PDP following accusations that he was imposed after alleged payments of 15 billion naira to the NWC of the party which one of its Governors, Mr. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, branded as ‘tax-collectors.’

Furthermore, the alleged destruction of the billboards of the APC and its candidate, Pastor Ize-Iyamu, at strategic points in the State has met widespread criticism and condemnation from residents who deemed it an unnecessary display of intolerance and a foreshadowing of what it has in store for the election proper.

On Monday, the Edo APC, in a press conference held by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Azebamwan, accused the Governor of appointing thugs and cultists as aides in an alleged plot to mar the election with violence.

The State Media Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress for the Edo Governorship election has mocked Governor Godwin Obaseki as a drowning man following yet another wave of resignations that plagued his government as more aides announce their departure.

On Tuesday, two top aides, Hon. Joe Okonigene and Hon. Aimiolemen Noah Idemudia, also known as Paddy Noah, announced their resignation from the Obaseki-government and led thousands of their followers to the private residence of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Pastor Ize-Iyamu, where they declared their complete loyalty and vowed to deliver his victory at the polls.

Reacting to the development, the Governor was accused of planting a speculative report suggesting that the aides were induced to resign their positions.

However, in a statement released today by the Chairman of the APC State Media Campaign Council, Mr. John Mayaki, the report was denounced as an attempt by the "drowning governor" to blame others for his woes and a ruse to help him live with his failure until his exit on Election Day.

He said: "Godwin Obaseki is a drowning man who is unwilling to take responsibility for his failure. His aides have since realized that his ship is a drowning one, that he has been rejected by the people, and so they have been abandoning him in droves."

"Obviously, this development puts him to shame. His attempt to block these resignations through brute force and holding them hostage had little or no effect. They stared down his barrel and called his bluff."

"So in a bid to live with the failure until September when his disgrace will be complete and perfected, he directed his Chief Propagandist, Crusoe Osagie, the media aide who has been rendered witless and reduced to a common fake news peddler by the inertia and desperation of the man he serves, to spread the baseless and hare-brained narrative that Captain Hosa and Comrade Oshiomhole are offering his aides money in exchange for their resignation."

"The question to ask Obaseki is: how much was offered to his Chief of Staff, Taiwo Akerele, who resigned as far back as April when Mr. Godwin Obaseki was still living in the fool's paradise that a second-term was his birthright even in the face of monumental failure as a Governor?"

"Upon Taiwo Akerele's resignation, Obaseki tried to scare other aides who had already drafted their resignation letters into submission by invading the young man's residence with his thugs and other armed officers seeking to illegally apprehend and intimidate him. But that fear has worn off, hence the new wave of resignations."

"To attribute this to Captain Hosa Okunbo, who for reasons best known to him Obaseki has declared an enemy despite his many contributions to his administration and the State, and to spin the fallacious report that Oshiomhole has also paid money to anyone are indications that the Governor may be suffering an early trauma from the impending embarrassing defeat in September."

"Failures are never out of excuses. They deal only in blame-game and never take responsibility for anything. It is shameful that while one of his Commissioners remain in jail in France over allegations of money laundering, Obaseki has personally accused the remainder of being low in character and repute such that they will betray their conscience for money."

"It just shows that he has scant regard for those who work with him. And is it a surprise that they are abandoning such a man?"

...following the suit lodged by APC and Edobor Williams

1. Obaseki never had an original certificate that certifies him as a graduate of Classical Studies from the University of Ibadan. So, the column C of the INEC Form EC9 which he sworn to on 29th June, 2020 at the Federal Capital Teriitory, Abuja is totally falsified. And going by the constitution of Nigeria, this is totally contrary and effectively sets him up for disqualification.

2. Also on July 11th, the INEC form CE01 under Column C where he swore that he had obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Studies from the University of Ibadan is also a false claim as he never did, but rather provided a false document to prove his claims.

3. There is only a sole signature and there is no date of the awarding of the certificate of Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Studies from the University of Ibadan. And this is against the standard procedure of the Examination, Records, Administrative, Data Processing Division of the University of Ibadan. This goes further to prove that the certificate presented to INEC by Godwin Obaseki is fake.

4. Obaseki’s claims in the swearing of the INEC form EC9 under the Column D that stated he worked at Afriinvest Ltd from 1994 to 2014 when he retired is false. And there are no authentic documents to substantiate his claims.

5. Obaseki misled INEC by his false statement on oath and presentation of false certificates to the effect that he had a University Degree from the University of Ibadan and Advanced Level WAEC Certificate/Testimonial from Institute of Continuing Education. All documents are false and that is contrary to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

...flays Obaseki over incompetence, shortsightedness

A pressure group of Delta youths, the Delta Political Revolutionary Force, has endorsed the candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the Edo Sept. 19 Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and expressed its readiness to mobilize indigenes of Delta State in Edo State to vote for him at the polls.

In a communique signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Austine Ejabulor, after a meeting last week, the group lamented the state of infrastructure in Edo State and criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki’s “deceitful government of blackmail, marginalization, and shortsightedness.”

It announced his adoption of the APC’s Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu which it said was informed by a state-wide consultation and affirmation of the candidate’s generosity and genuine commitment to the growth and development of Edo State.

The communique read: “We the members of the Delta Political Revolutionary Force have had the delightful opportunity of consulting with the leaders and opinion molders at various levels of leadership in Edo State and across the 18 LGAs of the State,”

“The consultations and tour of the state have afforded us the opportunity to see the realities on the ground in the state and we have realized that Pastor Ize-Iyamu is the best candidate for the office of Governor.”

“We found him to be a planner, strategist, and a development-oriented leader who possesses all the attributes that Delta residents in Edo State want.”

“Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu cares about the downtrodden, he is generous at heart and understands the centrality of God in the affairs of men and society. He is concerned with laying long term foundation that will ensure the survival and sustainability of the state.”

SOME persons suspected to be agents of the state government Monday moped up some national newspapers from newsstands across the state capital over a paid advert believed to be injurious to Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The advert exposed some alleged wrongdoings by Obaseki against a businessman, Capt Hosa Okunbor as the agents believed that the paid advert which was expected to be in six national dailies could affect the chances of Obaseki’s second term bid.

Some newspapers distributors who spoke under condition of anonymity said they were contacted late last night by top officials of the state government, where they were specifically told not to distribute the papers for Monday.

They also claimed that some of them were offered a mouth offering reward if they can oblige them their request.

It was however gathered that some of the distributors turned down the request because of ill-treatment they claim have suffered since the inception of the present administration.

According to one of them, “We got a call late in the night about the need for us not to distribute some of the papers that will be coming today (Monday) and that we will be rewarded.

“While some of my colleagues agreed I refused by telling them to go to various newsstand to do that after I must have distributed.”

A visit to several newspaper stands showed that some national papers were not supplied to vendors.

Over 87 elected Councilors in the Edo State have vowed to resist the harassment and official intimidation meted out to them by Governor Godwin Obaseki to forcefully join the PDP.

The Councilors, most of whom were elected on the platform of the APC, dismissed claims of their defection allegedly sponsored in the media by Godwin Obaseki to portray false solidarity, while insisting that the Governor’s performance since 2016 has neither inspired confidence nor provided motivation for them to join his defection.

The spokesperson for the group, Hon. Emwinghare Osabuohien of Ward 2, Egor Local Government Council, condemned their suspension which he deemed illegal and the refusal of the state government to pay their salaries over the expression of their constitutionally protected freedom to associate and maintain membership of a preferred political party.

Other Councilors, including Hon. Okpamen Angela representing Ovia West, Hon. Kingsley Ogiri, and Hon. Godwin Ekhator, vowed to remain resolute in fighting for the victory of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and the All Progressives Congress at the polls on the 19th of September.

According to them, the few Councilors who defected caved in to the pressure and intimidation of the State Government.

The Women Group of the All Progressives Congress, Edo State Chapter, has assured the governorship candidate of the party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a resounding victory at the polls on the 19th September.

The leader of the group, Hon. Patricia Okoebor Benson, gave the assurance on Monday during the inauguration of the sub-committees of the APC Women Campaign Council for the Governorship Election in Benin.

Hon. Patricia Okoebor Benson said the inauguration of the sub-committees was done to intensify mobilization efforts of millions of Edo women who have already expressed the desire to elect Pastor Ize-Iyamu and is part of the strategies put in place to ensure a comprehensive victory for the party's candidate.

She criticized the incumbent's alleged maladministration and expressed confidence that the women of the state will turn out en masse on Election Day to sack the administration by voting the All Progressives Congress.

On her part, Rt. Hon. Elizabeth Uyinmwen Ativie who is the Director-General of the APC Women Campaign Council for the election, praised Ize-Iyamu's respect for women and commitment to their inclusion and effective representation, while also expressing pride to be a part of the project to ensure his emergence as the Governor of Edo State.

Other women at the inauguration event also commended Ize-Iyamu's focus and dedication to women empowerment, saying his positive contributions over the years will motivate them to work earnestly to ensure that he wins the governorship election on the 19th of September.

…donates Campaign Secretariat

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the Edo Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has seen his lead in the race bolstered with the backing of supporters and representatives of one of the former aspirants, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, who announced their endorsement and donation of campaign Secretariat to the APC candidate on Saturday.

Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, who was represented by Hon. Samson Isigbemhe JP, said the collapsing of his political structure across the 18 LGAs of the State and donation of Campaign Secretariat in Benin City is to ensure the victory of the APC and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu on the 19th of September following his conviction on the genuineness and leadership ability of the candidate to transform Edo State and deliver on his SIMPLE agenda.

He urged Edo people to vote for Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu en masse because he means well for the state and is ready to address the gross imbalances witnessed in the present administration.

While receiving the secretariat donation and the new supporters, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu thanked Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi for his generosity, brotherly love, and encouragement.

He praised Engr. Ogiemwonyi’s determination and selfless service to the development of the state and party and urged all present to emulate him by working wholeheartedly for the continued growth of the party, APC, and victory at the polls.

Pastor Ize-Iyamu assured them of active positions in his campaign and restated his promise to run an all-inclusive government that will prioritize the empowerment of all.

Hon Fred Aimienwanwu, Vice Chairman, Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo, has raised the alarm on threat to his life and family over his refusal to decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Vice who raised the alarm in a petition to the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Zone 5, Benin, alleged the council Chairman, Mr Destiny Enabulele and one General Peres.

In a petition signed by his wife, Mrs Lauretta Aimienwanwu, the Vice Chairman said boys numbering over 30 had stomed his resident in Benin on Wednesday at about 5pm and forcefully gained entrance to his compound by knocking down the gate.

He said while they could not gain entrance to the apartment, they however made their message clear that they would eliminate his entire family should he fail to defect to the PDP like his Chairman has done.

He said the boys who specifically said they were sent by Enabulele, also said he (Vice Chairman) should return the Council's properties his possession.

According to the petition, "The boys, numbering about 30, stormed my house and forcefully brought gate down. My gate man was assulted in the process of forcing the gate opened.

"They were armed with dangerous weapons like battle axes and cutlass.

"I was in my room and heard one of them making calls, I never knew he was calling my husband. I heard him say we are in your house and threatened that if he failed to decamp from APC to PDP, his entire household will be eliminated."

It would be recalled that the local government have been embroiled in crisis following the refusal of the Vice along with six out of the ten councillors to decamp to the PDP with the Chairman.

The crisis had degenerated to a situation where four of the councillors suspended six and also the Vice Chairman.

Professionals Organizing for Ize-Iyamu (POI), a Public Interest Group has for the umpteenth time asked the Out Going Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to produce his Manifesto for Elections.

In a Statement in Benin City on Friday the 17th of July,2020, The Coalition of Lawyers, Doctors, Engineers, Accountants, etc ,through its Director of Information and Strategy, Benedict Osaro Onyemike stated thus :

"Threatened by the lucidness and general acceptance of POI's Simple Agenda, Obaseki and his avowed 4 thousand Social media Advisers, took to the Cyberspace, with different shenanigans which smacks of stories with out substance .

On the whole Obaseki attempted through his brother -Don Pedro Obaseki to falsely lay claim to the original idea of POI's Simple Agenda ,eye witnesses who were present when the idea was mooted however rebutted the falsehoods and gave evidence of Don Pedro apologising in 2016,when he himself plagiarized the Simple Agenda of POI in Ben TV in London."

The Statement continues :

"In all, Obaseki has not been able to show us the Policy Thrust of his Administration in the last Four Years .In a recently released video that went viral the PDP Zonal Chairman in the South South Zone,Chief Dan Orbih ,confirmed our assertions that Obaseki's Government has been thriving on cosmetic manipulation of public information, to deceive Edo People as Chief Orbih last November in the said Video confirmed that Obaseki is a total Failure .What a paradox of truth !

We still ask again Obaseki, where is your Agenda?

As you have none ,you have no moral justification to criticize those who have .

Is it not an Irony that a Government that has been in Power for close to 4 Years , has been able to show the Policy Thrust of its Administration, while a Contestant -POI has shown as soon as the campaign commenced ,to the minutest details while he should be Governor.

Edo People are wiser.

POI is here ,the Future is here and Edo will be better !"

The Statement concluded.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is seeking the disqualification of the governor of Edo state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Mr. Philip Shaibu from the upcoming gubernatorial poll over falsified academic qualifications and tax fraud. The details are contained in court documents filed at the Federal High Court in Benin by West-Idahosa & Co.

The suit, filed by the All Progressives Congress and Mr. Edobor Williams, a member of the party, highlights a number of inconsistencies in academic credentials provided to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the duo of Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Mr. Philip Shaibu, both candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Edo governorship election scheduled to hold in September.

Recall that Mr. Obaseki and Mr. Shaibu had previously been elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, but recently decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party after Obaseki was disqualified over inconsistencies in his academic credentials during the APC’s pre-primaries screening process.

The APC alleges that Mr. Obaseki, who claims to have graduated from the University of Ibadan, did not meet the minimum entry requirement for gaining admission into the university as he had only three credits and two passes in the school certificate result purportedly issued to him by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). He also did not attach any evidence of having attended primary school.

Documents further show that in Form EC9 which was submitted to INEC, Mr. Obaseki represented himself as having gained admission into the University of Ibadan on the strength of the result issued by WAEC, as he did not list any other O/Level certificate. He also submitted a testimonial from the Institute of Continuing Education in Benin City, showing that he sat for A/Level examinations in History, English, Literature, Economics and General Paper in May/June 1975; this is, however, at variance with the A/Level certificate which he also submitted, and which showed that he obtained grades in Religious studies, Government and Economics.

It is also worthy of note that in 2016, when Mr. Obaseki deposed to an affidavit claiming that he had lost his original primary, secondary, university and National Youth Service Corps certificates, he stated that he had obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from the University of Ibadan in 1976 and provided a photocopy of his certificate to that effect. This however raises even more questions as in the INEC Form EC9 which was filled in June 2020, he stated that this same qualification was obtained in 1979, with a completely different certificate attached.

The photocopy from 2016 bears the signature of the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar, while the certificate submitted in 2020 is undated and bears only the signature of the Vice Chancellor of the University, an unusual occurrence in the academia. The Vice Chancellor whose signature is featured on the certificate is Professor Takena Tamuno, who held the position from 1975 to 1979, but could not possibly have appended his signature to the new certificate as he died in April 2015.

Shaibu’s Many Troubles

Mr. Philip Shaibu, who is on a joint ticket with Mr. Obaseki, seems to be in even more dire straits. In addition to being accused of providing falsified certificates and obtaining educational qualifications through fraudulent means, there is also an outstanding allegation of tax fraud dating back to over a decade.
Academic qualifications listed by Mr. Shaibu include a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Jos, a notification of higher degree examination result from the University of Benin, and a senior secondary school testimonial from Sardauna Memorial College, Kaduna.
The APC, however, argues that Mr. Shaibu fraudulently obtained his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Jos and the University of Benin respectively, as he did not attain the minimum requirement for gaining admission into the university having recorded credit and above in only two subjects in two separate results issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in 1989 and 1997 respectively.
The party also pointed out discrepancies in both certificates. The WAEC result from 1989 is for a “Shuaibu Philip”, contrary to his name on official and public records, which is “Philip Shaibu”. To further validate doubts about his WAEC result, the name on the second certificate is “Shiabu Philip”.
Mr. Shaibu, while applying to the school of post-graduate studies at the University of Benin, also listed grades obtained from a WAEC exam which he supposedly sat for in 1993. A record of this does not exist.
The APC alleges that in order to circumvent these uncomfortable truths, Mr. Shaibu provided only his secondary school testimonial, a statement of degree programme from the University of Jos and a notification of higher degree from the University of Benin. However, these also suffice as evidence that he obtained qualifications which he did not, in fact, meet the requirement for.

Tax Fraud

Documents show that some time between December 15 and 20, 2006, Mr. Shaibu attached a fraudulent tax clearance certificate to INEC Form CF 001 while he was running for a seat in the Edo State House of Assembly. He claimed to be a staff of Zacknot Ventures Nigeria Limited, and this led to the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Zakari Ayonote lodging a complaint against him with law enforcement agents.

Mr. Shaibu was subsequently charged to the Benin City High Court in case B/ICPC/1/13 by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for giving false information to officers of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service. The case was pending until 2016 when Mr. Shaibu became deputy governor, and the case was eventually struck out due to constitutional immunity which the office conferred on him.

The APC is thus seeking the disqualification of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the upcoming polls and the disqualification of both Mr. Obaseki and Mr. Shaibu for providing forged certificates to INEC, in line with provisions of Section 182(1)(J) of the Constitution.

The party further seeks to ensure that all votes cast for the PDP at the polls will be declared null and void, and that INEC removes the names of Mr. Obaseki and Mr. Shaibu from the list of approved candidates for the Edo election, and that the PDP is prevented from embarking on any campaign activity.

Once again, like the locomotive that never runs out of fuel, the campaign train of the South South Movement today stormed Eyaen community in Ward 06 (Umagbae South) in Uhunmwode Local Government Area where members of the Movement and other teeming members of the All Progressives Congress received over 500 members of the PDP into the APC fold.

Amid a rousing welcome, the decampees pledged their full support for the APC and its candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his Deputy, Mallam Ganiyu Audu, promising to ensure that they win the ward for the Party.

Speaking at the ceremony as he received the new faithfuls, Hon. Osaro Obazee charged all present to vote for the APC. He made it plain to the people that the dividends of democracy and good governance are adequate welfare, security of lives and basic infrastructures. He stated that it was thus fair for the people to want to see evidence of the substantial work by government in the lives of the people. He told the people that the government of Pastor Ize-Iyamu would be one that would be totally inclusive where everyone will feel the dividends of a working government.

Also speaking at the ceremony was two-time member of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Samson Osagie. He declared that separating sentiments from politics, the people are yet to see what the outgoing Obaseki's government has to offer. He told the people that the incoming Pastor Ize-Iyamu's government would avoid the mistakes of the outgoing government that caused the people of the State so much sufferings.

Present at the ceremony were Hon. Chris Okaeben, Member, Edo State House of Assembly and the Director General, SSM, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri and key officials of the SSM that included Barr. Jude Uyi Ediale ( Director, Information, Publicity & Media); Hon. Maureen Ekhoragbon (JP) (Director of Women Interest/ Affairs, Edo South) and Hon. Vitalis Eshokene (Director, Logistics/Protocol).

The Campaign Train of the South South Movement (SSM) is set to storm more parts of the State in its set out agenda to take the messages of APC and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to the nooks and crannies of the State that will culminate in the victory of APC and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu come 19th September, 2020.

Member representing Ovia Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on legislative Compliance, Hon. Dennis Idahosa has expressed shock over the death of the President, Ovia Youths for Good Governance and a very dedicated member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ora ward of Ovia South west Local Government Area of Edo State.

Idahosa, in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Osaro Aghedo, on Thursday, described the death of Ernest as unfortunate.

Idahosa said the deceased had made a remarkable impact on the lives of the youths of Ovia through his group, Ovia Youths for Good Governance and was a very strong mobilizer.

He described Ernest Oyedele as a very quiet, easy going young Man and a goal getter who endeared himself to the betterment of the people.

Idahosa said the late Oyedele would be sorely missed by everyone who came in contact with him, especially for his humanitarian service to the people.

He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“On behalf of the good people of Ovia Federal Constituency, I commiserate with Ernest Oyedele’s immediate family, the leadership of of APC in Ora ward, where he served as welfare officer, as well as his political associates and followers. May God heal the wound and grant the departed eternal rest”

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the Edo Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has expressed sadness over the demise of Mr. Ernest Oyedele, the President of Ovia Youth for Good Governance whom he described as a passionate grassroots mobilizer and dependable ally.

Mr. Ernest Oyedele’s death was announced on Wednesday. He was involved in an accident and sustained a spine injury which led to his unfortunate demise at the UBTH Emergency Units in Benin City.

In a statement released by John Mayaki, the Chairman of the State Media Campaign Council of the APC, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu mourned his loss as a sad tragedy and offered condolences to his family, friends, groups, and associates.

He said: “Mr. Ernest Oyedele was a passionate youth mobilizer and advocate for good governance. He offered leadership to a lot of young persons and organized movements that educated people’s outlooks and yielded positive changes in several communities.”

“He has also been a silent supporter and dependable ally. I am greatly saddened by his demise. May his soul rest in peace and may the good Lord comfort his family and friends.”

Three Special Assistants to the Chairman, Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo, Mr. Destiny Enabulele have resigned their appointments ahead of the September 19 Governorship election in Edo.

The latest to resign are Osarobo Osaro Anthony (Special Assistant on Empowerment), Aibangbee Chico (Special Assistant on Legislative Matters) and Obayagbona Augustine (Special Assistant on Political Matters).

The special assistants in their letters explained that the reason for their resignation was based on the fact that they were not ready to defect to the PDP along with the governor and the Council Chairman.

While thanking the Chairman for the opportunity given to serve, they noted that they still believe in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and will join forces to work for the victory of the party, come September 19.

It would be recall that about two weeks ago, five Senior Special Assistants to the Governor from the same coucil area had resigned their appointments on July 2.

It would also be recalled that Six out of Ten Councillors, including the Leader of the Legislative arm from the same local government refused to decamp to the Peoples Democratic Party with the Council Chief and the Governor, leading to their illegal suspension and subsequent stoppage of their salary.

Ahead of Edo State gubernatorial election scheduled to hold on September 19, some stakeholders have expressed interest to join force with All Progressives Congress (APC) to oust the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the incumbent governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

Among is a prominent group, Action Women Movement (AWM), founded and headed by the immediate Executive Vice Chairman, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo state and a political grassroots juggernaut, Hon. Maureen Ekhoragbon popularly known as "Mama Phil Junior" (MPJ).

Ekhoragbon said their mission was to work out a pact with the party to deliver the state from the stranglehold of PDP, Obaseki and other political jobbers.

The immediate past Council Chief made the statement while meeting with representatives of the women group across the seven local government that made up Edo South senatorial district, while charging them to spread the Simple Agenda campaign of Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu.

The Women representatives drawn from the seven local government area that make up Edo South vowed to take the message down to the grassroots with the optimism that Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu will emerge victorious at the September 19 polls.

The Deputy National Chairman on Communication and Publicity in the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for Edo election, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, has expressed confidence that the party’s candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, will satisfy the yearnings of the people of Edo State for good leadership.

He said this on Monday at the inauguration of the State Media Campaign Council which has Mr. John Mayaki as its Chairman.

Hon. Obahiagbon claimed that the failure of the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki has created a loud yearning in Edo State for good leadership which Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is best primed to satisfy.

He also said the members of the media campaign council were selected on the account of their professional competencies and praised the successes the Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu Campaign Organisation has recorded.

While offering assurances of his confidence in the ability of the team, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon said they will help the party emerge victorious at the polls in September.

The event was attended by numerous APC bigwigs in the state including the Deputy Director-General of the campaign organization and former Edo State deputy governor, Mr. Lucky Imasuen, Former Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Samson Osagie, the immediate past Edo State Commissioner of Communication and Orientation, Mr. Paul Ohonbamu, Edo State APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Azebanwan.

Others present were Hon. Osaretin Edosonwan, a former Chairman of the Edo State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Godwin Erhahon, Mr. Tony Ikpasaja, Sule Aledeh, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Joseph Omorotionwan, Thomas Imonokhe, Hon. Samson Osagie, Hon. Razaq Bello Osagie, Hon. Washington Osifo.

1. Obaseki closed down the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi since 2018 and disengaged all members of staff of the institution.

2. Obaseki shut down and demolished the Center for Community Development Education Benin City which was affiliated to the University of Benin for diploma programs.

3. Obaseki closed down College of Education, Ekiadalor (Tayo Akpata University of Education) since 2018. And staffs are owed over 11 months salaries.

4. Obaseki closed down the Edo State School of Nursing, Benin City in 2018.

5. Obaseki closed down College of Education Igueben.

6. Obaseki closed down Michael Imodu College of Physical Education, Afuze.

7. Obaseki closed down College of Agricultural Technology, Agenebode.

8. Obaseki has refused to employ a single teacher in the past four years of his administration despite the huge deficit of secondary school classroom teachers in Edo State.
UNFULFILLED “AUDIO” PROMISES:

9. 200,000 jobs- Audio.
10. Gele-gele seaport- Audio.

11. Alaghodaro Summit- Audio.

12. N100 million naira compensation promised to market women and victims of Ekiosa market fire incident- Audio.

13. Azura power plant- Audio

14. Modular Refinery- Audio

15. Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chinese, UAE other countries and private companies with Edo State government- Audio.

16. N2.2 billion naira Sobe farms in Owan West LG- Audio

17. Social affordable housing scheme for Edo workers and other residents in the State- Audio

18. N200 billion naira industrial park in Iyanomo community Benin city- Audio.

19. Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Anchor Tenant, Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing etc- Audio.

20. Obaseki has reached an agreement to hand over power to his deputy, Phillip Shaibu in 2024 if he wins re-election yet deceive Edo central of Esan governorship in 2024- Audio.
CORRUPTION:

21. N2.2 billion naira Sobe farm in Owan West LG yet Edo residents were thrown into famine barely two weeks of Covid-19 lockdown without a single food from the so-called N2.2b “Sobe farm”.

22. 1 billion naira for the fight of Covid-19 in just about two months of the pandemic.

23. $2 million (eight hundred million naira) Edo money laundered to Italy through his crony and former commissioner for arts, culture and tourism, Mr. Osaze Osemwingie-Ero.

24. 5 billion naira CBN loan for Edo farmers to engender food security.
i. 2.2 billion for crop production.
ii. 2.3 billion for land development (just to cut grasses).
iii. 100 million naira for irrigation.

25. Obaseki has received over 500 billion naira in the last four years from the Federal Allocation Account (FAAC), Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) etc.

26. 6.09 billion naira Paris Club Refunds/federal govt bailout funds.

27. 12.18 billion naira Paris Club Refunds/federal govt bailout funds.

28. Counterpart funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

29. Conditional Grants Scheme of Sustainable Development Goals (CGS-SDG).

30. Education Trust Fund.

31. SEEFOR (Concessionary loans from World Bank and European Development Fund Grants).

32. 18 LGs funds usually annexed monthly by the Edo State government under Godwin Obaseki.

33. In just one week Obaseki spent over 10 billion naira of Edo money to purchase the PDP governorship ticket.

34. Debt profile under Godwin Obaseki has risen to over $277.74 million dollars (over 100 billion naira).

35. Obaseki spent 1.5 million naira to train a single primary school teacher on how to use the computer. He used his cronies from Lagos pretending as consultants to siphon Edo money.

36. In 2016, Godwin Obaseki increased his security vote from 500 million to 750 million naira per month. He has pocketed 24 billion naira of Edo money in the past 32 months as governor in the name of security votes. Insecurity is however on the increase in Edo State because Obaseki gives a paltry 5 million naira monthly to Edo State police command to combat crime.

37. Obaseki has thrown open the treasury and resources of the Edo State government to the PDP “tax collectors” within and outside the state at the detriment of the Edo people.
SECURITY:

38. Obaseki’s administration has elevated thuggery, violence, politically motivated assassination attempts on the lives of political opponents, bomb explosions etc.

39. Killer herdsmen on the rampage unchecked.
40. Kidnapping on the increase under his watch.

41. Cult related killings on the rise without any solutions from the Obaseki government.

42. Despite the 750 million naira monthly security votes, Edo State Police Command remains poorly motivated, short of good vehicles and other necessary equipment to assist them in making their job of securing Edo easier.
ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE:

43. Obaseki has littered Edo State with substandard and poor quality road projects which are usually washed away after a few months of construction.

44. Obaseki has NOT built a single hospital or renovate old ones. Government general hospitals across the state are in comatose state yet he refused to put to good use the ultra modern five star Central Hospital built by his predecessor.

45. Flooding has taken over Benin City because Obaseki refused to continue the Benin City water storm project initiated by his predecessor.

46. Godwin Obaseki has killed night life in Benin City by putting off the street lights. He has put the once bright and beautiful city in total darkness.
GODWIN “OBASEK” DOUBTFUL QUALIFICATIONS.

47. Eghosa Grammar School- No certificate.

48. A’ Level result- 3 Credits without Mathematics (NOT eligible to gain tertiary admission to any Nigerian university).

49. U.I degree certificate- 2 contrasting certificates with two different graduation year and discrepancies in the signatures/signatories.

50. NYSC certifate- Discrepancy in the name (Corper Obasek).
A man who allowed himself to be used as a pawn in a political power play that cost Edo State the position of the national chairmanship of a national ruling party is an enemy of Edo.
“May his days be few; may another take his office”. Psalm 109:8.

Coalition of Civil Society (CCS) Groups in Edo reject Obaseki for the following reasons. Call for trial for violating human rights of individuals when he vacates seat in November 2020

It has been a seasoned of outright rejection by different groups of the outgoing governor of Edo state Godwin Obaseki and his deputy Philip Shaibu for severally violating the human rights of groups and individuals in the last four years of their inglorious government.

The group in statement signed by Comrade Adule Suleiman and Dr Mrs Aisosa Ifewina outlined several reasons why Obaseki cannot be voted for by the people of Edo state for the second term because he has severally violated the rights of individuals in the state amongst others they mentioned a few below.

1) MR governor arrested five teachers in Agbede in April 2017 over trumped up charges and were detained for more than a week in the Auchi prison.

2) the government arrested Human right activists Kola Edokpayi and Curtis Ugbo for fighting against injustice by the NPDC and for not employing young graduates from edo state. They spend five months in Oko prison

3) the governor summarily terminated the employment of permanent secretary Mrs ET Idahosa without proper fair hearing.

4) MR Govenor has refused to pay the salaries of Judiciary workers union for going on strike over better wages and conditions of service for the judicial sector.

5) the governor refused to pay the severance allowance of former political appointees who worked with Edo state government and ended their tenure in November 2016. This is against the provisions of the fiscal allocation and wages commission.

7) continuous harassment of social critic TONY Kabaka and the eventual demolition of his private residence for calling for better quality government and service delivery.

violating the Nigerian constitution by preventing the inauguration of duly elected 14 members of the house of assembly since June 2019.

9) openly threatening the freedom of movement of a Nigerian Adams Oshiomhiole asking him to take permission from him before visiting the state as long as he (Obaseki) remains the governor of the state. This is in clear violation of the 1st schedule of the Nigerian constitution.

9) threatening the life of Citizen Chris OKAEGBEN, Lawrence Okah and for state sponsored terrorism against these individuals.

10) Mr Obaseki sent stern looking state security agencies against his own former chief of staff Taiwo Akerele that resigned voluntarily in April. They ransacked his house and threaten to arrest him for resigning from office. This is against the freedom of association under he human rights act of 1979.

11) Mr Shaibu assaulted Dr Blessing AGBOMERE at the benin airport for expressing opposing views. He was later rushed to a nearby hospital for resuscitation.

12) Mr obaseki has committed several economic crimes against the people of Edo state by sabotaging local entrepreneurs and business men while importing fake foreign investors into benin who in turn execute shoddy jobs, get paid and run back to lagos to the shock of hard working Edo people.

Based on this and several others the group insists that obaseki and Philip and indeed the PDP do not deserve the support of Edo people for second term as this could be counter productive for the growth and promotion of human rights in the state

The campaign train of the South South Movement (SSM) today stormed Evbareke Spare Parts Market. The campaign train was greeted by excited traders from within the market and residents of the area.

The agenda of the campaign train was to bring the gospel of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his Deputy Candidate Mallam Ganiyu Audu to the traders of the market and its environs.

Speaking to the cluster of traders gathered to hear what the campaign team had to say, Hon. Osaro Obazee told the people that the campaign train was there to bring the message of hope, development and good governance synonymous with APC and its 2020 Edo Governorship Candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

He stated that the Pastor Ize-Iyamu's government with effect from November 12th, 2020 will be a friendly government that everyone can associate with without fear or prejudice.

He further said the government will focus on providing quality living for the people of the State, as that was one of the dividends of democracy.

Fully present to show solidarity with the SSM Campaign Squad were Hon. Chris Okaeben, Member EDHA and the Director General, SSM, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri and Chief Emmanuel Iyase (Deputy Director General Edo South, SSM)

Also in attendance were Hon. Joshua Uwagboe (State Secretary, SSM); Barr. Jude Uyi Ediale ( Director, Information, Publicity & Media); Hon. Maureen Ekhoeragbon (JP) (Director of Women Interest/ Affairs, Edo South).

Other notable officers that were also present to grace the occasion included Hon. Emike Obaze (Asistant Secretary); Hon. Sweet Ikponmwosa (Director of Welfare); Hon. Patrick Eregie (Director, Business & Youth Empowerment); Hon. Rita Igbinovia (Deputy Director, Contact and Mobilisation) and Hon. Vitalis Eshokene (Director, Logistics/Protocol).

The Campaign Train of the South South Movement (SSM) is set to storm more parts of the State in its set out agenda to spread the message of APC and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to the nooks and crannies of the State in order to reposition Edo State and put her on the path of sustainable development.

The South South Movement (SSM) has vowed never to rest on its oars until victory is secured for the APC in the 2020 September 19th Governorship election in Edo State.

SSM! Tomorrow begins today!!

…assures Edo people Ize-Iyamu will return purposeful governance

The campaign of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the Edo Governorship election, got a boost on Saturday following the donation of branded pathfinder jeep, thousands of T-shirts, face caps, and other campaign paraphernalia by an international group under the aegis of John London Support for POI.

According to the spokesperson for the John London POI Group, Mr John Osas London, who was represented by Mr Ogieriakhi Mathew, the group’s donation and support of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu was motivated by his great display of leadership, track record of excellence in public service, and the assurance that if elected, he will restore purposeful governance in the State and address the true needs of the people.

The group urged other groups and residents in the state to back the bid of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and join his quest to revive the state from what it described as a ‘present state of gross maladministration.’

While receiving the donation, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, in his characteristic cheery state, said he was overwhelmed by the gesture of the group. He said their donation, and the positive response of Edo people to his ambition, has enlivened the campaign and strengthened his conviction that the All Progressives Congress will win at the polls on the 19th of September.

Ize-Iyamu commended the John London Group and its leader, Mr. John Osas London, and pledged not to disappoint them.

Other top members of the John London Group present at the event include Eric Ediale, Easy Quest, Okunbor, Jim Idahosa, Biggy Agho, Mr Victor, Uyi Osagie, Christian Ogieraikhi, and Ehis Ogieraikhi. They all vowed not to relent until the All Progressives Congress clinches victory at the poll in November.

...Urges youth participation

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Edo Governorship election, has announced the commencement of an online series on his campaign manifesto, the SIMPLE agenda, to be streamed daily across his social media accounts starting Monday, 13th of July.

In a statement released by Mr. John Mayaki, the Director of Communication and Media of his Campaign Organization, Ize-Iyamu described the daily streaming as an open conversation that will outline his manifesto to the people of Edo State, particularly the youths, and a part of the campaign’s adaptations to accommodate the changes occasioned by the coronavirus disease.

He said: “As we intensify pressure on the state government to take responsible actions to protect our people against the coronavirus disease, we, the APC, know that political campaigns for this election season must be different.”

“Before now, all of our internal party processes have been adapted to accommodate health and regulatory guidelines and ensure that we do not compromise the health of our people or present them a choice between exercising their franchise and safety. That must continue even as we commence open campaigns across the state.”

“As part of our adaptations, we are starting an online series focused on my SIMPLE agenda. This series will be streamed LIVE weekly on all my social media platforms and specifically targeted at the teeming youths of Edo State both at home and in the diaspora.”

“What we intend to achieve with this is to further acquaint the people of Edo State with my manifesto and policy initiatives designed to tackle all of the challenges neglected and incompetently managed by the failed incumbent administration. It will also offer a platform for open conversations in a safe and responsible manner.”

“Although we have decided that this be driven by the youth wing of the campaign, I will be featuring weekly to explain the agenda and engage our people.”

“I know that this election holds special importance for our youths and its result will be largely determined by them. I encourage everyone to participate in this conversation as we highlight our plans to create real jobs, unlike the unfulfilled 200,000 jobs promise of the incumbent, true empowerment, and a safe and conducive environment for their creativity to thrive and attract global investments.”

The New Nigeria Collective (NNC) has cautioned the Nigeria Ports Authority to “tread with circumspection in the way it is handling its engagement with the Ocean Marine Solution Limited, the company supporting the Nigerian Navy to provide security at the Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) of the Lagos delineation of the nation’s waters.

The group, in a statement by its National Chairman, Mr. Adeola Adewunmi was reacting to a statement recently credited to the NPA leadership and published in a national daily, where it threatened the arrest of any vessel at the SAA, adding that any ship found there would be sanction also.

NNC noted that “the inexplicable rivalry orchestrated by the NPA was gradually becoming a threat to national security, given the sensitivity of the assignment that the OMSL is handling for the country, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy at SAA”.

It said, “The fact that OMSL has no business with the NPA in the matter presupposes that the government agency has been overreaching itself over time, recalling that " even after the Nigerian Senate intervened and asked the NPA to steer clear of the SAA, because the contract is between OMSL and the Navy and not directly with the NPA.

“It is even the more disturbing that after Senate’s recommendation, which gave OMSL a clean bill and urged it to continue with its otherwise patriotic assignment, the NPA leadership was still headstrong and went ahead to disrespect the Nigerian senate – an institution of note. Isn’t it also ridiculous that the NPA is now asking the Navy to arrest the vessels they are protecting or do we call this a clear case of incompetence on the part of the NPA leadership?

“Unfortunately, as it stands today, the NPA doesn’t have a security Architecture in place in the Lagos area, not to mention the Port Harcourt area, where pirates’ attacks are uncontrollable and cost of shipping to Port Harcourt has become astronomical, because ships refuse to go there. But the Lagos that seems to be working, because of SAA is about to be destroyed out of sheer vendetta and lack of patriotism.

“Instead of encouraging the security solutions that have brought sanity to the Lagos area, all the efforts of the NPA leadership have been to destroy it and bring the Lagos area to the days that ships had to go to neighboring countries to berth and the country lost a lot of revenue and what is even more worrisome is that this service is at no cost to the federal government, so, what is NPA’s problem?”

The NNC said it was embarrassed to learn that “despite all the interventions that legitimately stifled the NPA from harassing the OMSL, it has continued to act as though it was not answerable to anyone”, adding that “the silent treatment being meted out to it by the OMSL can only explain why the matter has not needlessly escalated.

“The truth of the matter is that the NPA does not even have the power to arrest or announce the arrest of anyone. In the very worst-case scenario, if there are infractions at SAA, all that the NPA needs to do is report such to the Navy, which will in turn address the matter.

The New Nigeria Collective (NNC) has cautioned the Nigeria Ports Authority to “tread with circumspection in the way it is handling its engagement with the Ocean Marine Solution Limited, the company supporting the Nigerian Navy to provide security at the Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) of the Lagos delineation of the nation’s waters.

The group, in a statement by its National Chairman, Mr. Adeola Adewunmi was reacting to a statement recently credited to the NPA leadership and published in a national daily, where it threatened the arrest of any vessel at the SAA, adding that any ship found there would be sanction also.

NNC noted that “the inexplicable rivalry orchestrated by the NPA was gradually becoming a threat to national security, given the sensitivity of the assignment that the OMSL is handling for the country, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy at SAA”.

It said, “The fact that OMSL has no business with the NPA in the matter presupposes that the government agency has been overreaching itself over time, recalling that " even after the Nigerian Senate intervened and asked the NPA to steer clear of the SAA, because the contract is between OMSL and the Navy and not directly with the NPA.

“It is even the more disturbing that after Senate’s recommendation, which gave OMSL a clean bill and urged it to continue with its otherwise patriotic assignment, the NPA leadership was still headstrong and went ahead to disrespect the Nigerian senate – an institution of note. Isn’t it also ridiculous that the NPA is now asking the Navy to arrest the vessels they are protecting or do we call this a clear case of incompetence on the part of the NPA leadership?

“Unfortunately, as it stands today, the NPA doesn’t have a security Architecture in place in the Lagos area, not to mention the Port Harcourt area, where pirates’ attacks are uncontrollable and cost of shipping to Port Harcourt has become astronomical, because ships refuse to go there. But the Lagos that seems to be working, because of SAA is about to be destroyed out of sheer vendetta and lack of patriotism.

“Instead of encouraging the security solutions that have brought sanity to the Lagos area, all the efforts of the NPA leadership have been to destroy it and bring the Lagos area to the days that ships had to go to neighboring countries to berth and the country lost a lot of revenue and what is even more worrisome is that this service is at no cost to the federal government, so, what is NPA’s problem?”

The NNC said it was embarrassed to learn that “despite all the interventions that legitimately stifled the NPA from harassing the OMSL, it has continued to act as though it was not answerable to anyone”, adding that “the silent treatment being meted out to it by the OMSL can only explain why the matter has not needlessly escalated.

“The truth of the matter is that the NPA does not even have the power to arrest or announce the arrest of anyone. In the very worst-case scenario, if there are infractions at SAA, all that the NPA needs to do is report such to the Navy, which will in turn address the matter.

...plans to infiltrate database, recruit ex-militants - Bini Group

A Bini Socio-cultural organisation, The Bini Renaissance has accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, of plotting to discredit the electoral body, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and accuse the Nigerian Police of bias.

Besides, the group said PDP is also plotting to infiltrate INEC’s data base with supporters while recruiting ex-militants from Niger-Delta and other surrounding states as part of plans to manipulate the outcome of the Edo Governorship election.

In a statement released today by its publicity secretary, Mr. Timothy Omofuma, the group alleged that the “jittery PDP” is moving ahead with a plan to harm the reputation of INEC and the Police with premeditated and sponsored breaches in the bodies’ servers and other operational processes.

This, the group said, is to lay the groundwork for excuses and contentions when the PDP eventually loses the election on the 19th of September.

The statement read: “Information arriving from multiple reliable sources have confirmed a plan already under execution by the jittery People's Democratic Party against the September 19 Edo State Gubernatorial elections.”

“The leading part of the plan is to discredit the national bodies pertinent for the observation and execution of the electoral processes. The Independent National Electoral Commission and the Nigerian Police are the two bodies primarily targeted by the PDP.”

“Part of this plan can be seen in the hopeless video shot and circulated by one of their propagandists, Reno Omokri. The ultimate goal is to, before the public eyes, tarnish the image and independence of theses bodies so that when their comprehensive defeat eventually occurs, they can make empty claims at rigging and violence instigated by them instead of conceding.”

“At present, we have been reliably told that the PDP is sharpening its fangs of violence using the same machinery deployed to wreck terror in the heart of this country for 16 years.”

“Led by Governor Wike, who has a reputation for instigating violence, the PDP is mobilizing ex-militants from various states, fully funding them, and equipping them against the coming Edo elections.”

“They are also seeking a back-door entry into the database of INEC where they plan to plant their mobilized agents from Delta State and other neighboring PDP states.”

“We seek to draw the attention of the INEC, the Nigerian Police, the good hearted people of Nigeria and all other agencies directly and indirectly affected by this nefarious plot by the PDP to be watchful and to be proactive in forestalling this coming chaos being planned by the PDP.”

“It is shameful that instead of putting its house in order and showing the supposed good works of their emergency candidate, the PDP is already displaying the signs and desperation of sore losers with dangerous and irresponsible defeatist plots.”

...denied expert motion to block Ize-Iyamu

The People’s Democratic Party and its Candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki, were subjects of mockery in court today after the presiding judge agreed with the APC’s legal representatives that their motion challenging the emergence of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as the APC candidate was an overreach and a baseless suit with no standing.

The PDP had applied for an expert motion seeking to block Ize-Iyamu by contending the decisions of the APC NEC where Ize-Iyamu’s candidacy was ratified by the national leadership of the party.

The judge however told the PDP and Godwin Obaseki that the issues of NEC and its convening is a partisan affair that cannot be disputed or dictated by an external party.

Laughter broke out in court when the colloquial term of “busy body” was used to describe the actions of the PDP to which the Judge agreed, describing the filed motion as an illegal attempt by interlopers to pry into the affairs of another political party before denying the request.

One of the lawyers in court who reacted to the judgement said: “This matter is a waste of everyone’s time. The PDP has no case here. You cannot tell another political party how to conduct its affairs. Except they are afraid of facing Ize-Iyamu in the election, I see no other way to explain this charade of clutching at straws where the position of the law is plainly obvious.”

Others political observers in Edo who commented echoed the same sentiment, stating that Godwin Obaseki, being no match for Ize-Iyamu politically, is desperately trying to seek a back-door means to win the election.

…says PDP’s corruption in Edo cannot be forgotten

Former member of the House of Representatives and APC stalwart in Edo state, Hon. E.J. Agbonayinma, has called on the governor of Rivers State and chairman of the PDP campaign council in Edo state, Nyesom Wike, to guard his utterances and stop issuing violent threats regarding the upcoming elections.

This, he said, on Tuesday during an interview on Democracy Today, a political programme on AIT.

“Wike is not from Edo state. We are from Edo state and we know our people, we are peacemakers. But the way the governor of Rivers state is talking, it’s as if we are going to war or maybe he’s bringing war to Edo. In Edo, we don’t want war, we just want elections.”

Responding to a question about Governor Obaseki’s performance, Agbonayinma stated that whatever achievements have been recorded during his tenure should be credited to the APC, as he enjoyed maximum support from stakeholders at both the federal and state levels.

“Whatever Obaseki has done has been with the support of APC leaders; it has always been APC people advising him to do the needful and whatever he did can be credited to APC. Now, he has gone to a party that failed miserably. The PDP brought us to where we are in this country today. The problems we are facing, the corruption that has eaten this country deeply, was created by PDP both nationally and in Edo state.”

He further added that he and Obaseki were senior aides to former governor Oshiomhole and no one can deny that Oshiomhole’s tenure ushered in unprecedented development in the state.

“Let me ask you, before the governor of Edo left APC for PDP, was he not the governor? Myself and the current governor were senior aides to former governor Oshiomhole. Governor Obaseki can ascertain and tell everybody that Oshiomhole did excellently well beyond reasonable doubt, and that nobody can compete. Go to Edo specialist hospital, there is no hospital built by the government anywhere else in Nigeria that can be compared to it.”

He urged the people of Edo state to make a wise choice at the polls come September.

Professionals Organizing for Ize-Iyamu (POI) Tells Obaseki .

A Public Interest Group-Professionals Organizing for Ize-Iyamu (POI) has condemned the coercion of Councillors who were elected on the Platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC ),to join Governor Godwin Obaseki in the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), ,using the instrumentality of suspension of those that do not accede to the coercion.

In a Statement in Benin City on Moday, the 6th of July ,2020, by the Director of Information and Strategy of the Group- Benedict Osaro Onyenike,the Group stated thus :

"Governor Godwin Obaseki should stop intimidating APC Councillors in Edo State .He should not drag others into his ominous defeat at the Polls .His Strong Arm Tactics of dangling suspension at Councillors who do not follow him,has confirmed the long held belief that Obaseki is not popular .Obaseki might be in Government, but he is certainly not in Power .He will wake and see himself outside the Edo State Government House on the 12th of November, 2020 when our Principal, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu will be sworn in as the next Governor of Edo State.

The Statement adds :

"We want to commend the Councillors in the 18 Local Government Councils of Edo State ,who have stood on the path of truth and principle. Posterity will Judge you all kindly and you have shown great character. It was Bill Clinton ,the former American President that posited thus :
Your Character is the Greatest Collateral you can give to a People .You have all shown great character. We have a few weeks to go .We enjoin you all to hold on ,we will prevail"

...Professionals Organizing for Ize-Iyamu ,tells PDP

By:Benedict Osaro Onyenike.

The Professionals Organizing for Ize-Iyamu (POI) a Group of Coalition of Professionals made up of Lawyers,Doctors, Engineers,Accountants ,Teachers, Bankers , Surveyors and other Professionals have deprecated the attack on their Principal and the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in September 29th Edo State Governorship Elections-Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their Social Media Contractors.

In a Statement issued by Benedict Osaro Onyenike ,the Director of Information and Strategy of the Group over the weekend reads thus:

"We find it quite curious that the barrage of attacks on the next Governor of Edo State by the Grace of God,Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has made him more popular and acceptable to the People.

POI , indeed is coming and nobody can stop him.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu being a Lawyer ,has handled his campaign with so much solemnity and equanimity knowing that it is God that gives Power .On the other hand ,the other side no longer campaign for their Candidate, they only talk about our Candidate in bad light ,but it is like a situational irony, achieving the opposite by making Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu more popular.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has ran an issue based campaign ,devoid of Campaign of Calumny. He has a SIMPLE Agenda for the Transformation of Edo State .Edo State will be better with him as Governor.

Despite they Filing about 7 Cases in Courts all over the Country to stop the APC Candidature of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, all of which they have lost or are stalled ,Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu waxes stronger day after day,trending and he is now like a moving train,an indication of the aphorism of the Former Cuban Leader -Fidel Castro ,that :

"No Army in the World can stop an Idea whose time has come "

The Statement concluded.

With the current election on ground, It was with very strong rage and dissatisfaction of the workings of the incumbent government towards the people at ISIUWA ward, Ovia North East local government area, which led the ward executives and leaders gathered, to the Clarion call made by a disciplined, empathic, a true friend, a well home trained, a true definition of loyalty, a woman of dignity, integrity, resilience, humble and focused personality in the person of Hon Maureen Ekhoragbon (JP) popularly called mama Phil junior (MPJ), former vice chairman Ovia North East LGA.


Hon Maureen Ekhoragbon JP, thanked and acknowledged the ward executives and leaders for the privilege to serve her people.

Accolades and prayers did not seize, as senior citizens whom make up the ward executives and leadership wished for Gods wisdom and prayed for her .

If we remember, Hon. Maureen EKHORAGBON (JP) defiled all odds when she resigned her position as the Vice Chairman, Ovia North East Local Government Area due to her loyalty towards the All Progressives Congress and the Governorship Candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu, A single act of courage with respect for her people who voted for her. No wonder the house was full to listen to her once again on the next line of action as preparation surmounts towards the September 19th 20/20 Edo state election to vote in PASTOR OSAGIE IZE-IYAMU.

The meeting was geared towards informing and recognizing, that the ward stands with Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

She said that Mr. Ize Iyamu will deliver to the people the dividends of democracy using the SIMPLE Agenda.

She bitterly expressed how Ovia N/E has been starved of infrastructural development and a vote for APC, a vote for broom, shall deliver the dividends of democracy to our dear ward, Isiuwa.

In conclusion, she was able to cheer , inspire and motivate ISIUWA WARD MEMBERS, old and young, male and female to canvass for his Excellency, PASTOR OSAGIE IZE-IYAMU as Victory is ours.

In attendance were the ward chairman, Hon Jonathan, woman leader - Mrs Adesuwa, Mr Peter Osagie LGA chairman , Prof S.O Aibueke, Mr Davison Ehigiamose,Mr Iyare, Hon Aighobanyin and other ward executives and leaders in attendance.

The South South Movement (SSM) has lauded the emergence of Hon. Ganiyu Audu as the Deputy Governorship Candidate for the 2020 Edo State Gubernatorial elections. This has been tagged a partnership destined for victory.

In Politics, it is important that balance is maintained, and one sure way to achieve this is in the allocation of slots to ensure that all diversities are duly recognized.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) have scored a huge point in seeing to it that the people of the Muslim faith are effectively represented in the Party's ticket of the State.

It is pertinent to state that the State has been found wanting in the past when it came to matters of balancing religious representation in the leadership of the State. This time around, we have finally gotten it right.

It is quite glaring that this formidable partnership is one that will indeed be a force to reckon with in the coming polls.

The rousing homecoming enjoyed by Hon. Audu yesterday at Estako West is another testament to the authenticity of the Candidacy. He was received with wild jubilation and it was evident that the missing piece of the puzzle had finally been found.

Edo is set to be reclaimed through effective and balanced representation of all cultural and religious diversities.

SSM celebrates with Pastor Ize Iyamu and the chosen one, Hon. Ganiyu Audu for this great preliminary victory in getting it right with the candidacy.

SSM! Tomorrow begins today!!