₦airaland Forum

So, they are masters of propaganda; while we are campaigning, the PDP leadership are using the money they stole for propaganda; so their propaganda machine is well oiled, misinforming people, most of their proposed theory is to deceive people, giving them false impression that they are winning.

No concrete message for the people, the PDP are selling a message about the future when they destroyed the past. So they really don’t have a message; they go to the markets, tried to create fear, using the current economic crisis to campaign. But we have gone round to explain to people that these are the same people who caused this economic recession, destroyed our economy.

So, the only other plan which they are confident in is violence which they are masters in. We know that PDP is working with the guys that created the havoc in Rivers State, the killings there. We have told security agencies; we know that they have recruited many of them. You know we are campaigning in riverine areas and those are the areas they are targeting. Places like llusin, Gegelege, Agenebode, our borders are the areas they intend to perpetuate violence and there is evidence they have brought in people in Oredo, Egor and Ikpoba Okha. They planted at least two militants each from the Niger Delta in each of the units in these metropolitan areas so that they can cause mayhem and cause confusion that may lead to inconclusive elections. That is their strategy and we have told security agents.

The PDP has no message to give so they want violence but we will not allow them.

The All Progressives Congress has denounced allegations by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr. Philip Shaibu, that its candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and former National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, are planning an attack on him as the delusion of a distressed politician at the end of his career.

In a statement released by Mr. John Mayaki, the Chairman of the State Media Campaign Council of the APC, the party said Mr. Philip Shaibu’s petition to the Police is a makeshift plan to dubiously attract sympathy after his initial plot to stage an attack on his own convoy and blame it on the APC was foiled by the party with a public alarm that revealed the shameful strategy.

The party dismissed the petition filed by the Deputy Governor asking the Police to arrest its candidate and Adams Oshiomhole as a cheap ploy to use the authorities to carry out the plans his armed thugs couldn’t fulfill, and urged the Police not to waste its resources on it.

The statement read: “Mr. Philip Shaibu is a distressed politician at the end of his political career in Edo State. He has failed his people, betrayed his region, and has been rendered homeless by his greed and desperate ambition to replace Obaseki as Governor in 2024.”

“He is a politician without a base; an earthly roamer who cannot find solace anywhere. He is not one to be taken seriously and we hope that upon his departure, the Police dispatched his petition to its shredding room.”

“He has tried, without success, to obstruct the campaign of the APC with attacks on our leaders and candidate using armed thugs, seven of whom were arrested on the day he, alongside the Governor, invaded the Assembly Complex and removed its roof.”

“Unable to live with his failure in this regard, and thrown off balance by the massive protest staged by the women of Jattu who placed ancestral curses on him for his infamous role in all the deaths and destruction happening in the state, he has grown even more delusional, and has now resolved to blackmail the Police into running his errands.”

“He is yet to substantiate his previous claims of assassins or any of other numerous allegations he has made in his trademark terrible English language to cover up the iniquities of the PDP and to resuscitate their dreadful campaign across the state.”

“Like all failed politicians who spent time in office abusing the powers of their office and accumulating wealth through illegal diversions, Mr. Philip Shaibu is terrified of life without the covers of immunity as a private citizen, hence his delusions and paranoia.”

“But there is time for everything and whether he wishes it or not, he would soon be made to answer for all his crimes to Edo people, especially the people of Edo North who he has brought shame and disappointment.”

…insists he has no plans to return them back to the street
…accuses Obaseki of deceit, tax collection fraud

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the Edo Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has said he has no plan to return the loosely organized gangs commonly known as ‘AGBEROS’ to the streets of Edo State, clarifying that he instead intends to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into the society as useful and responsible participants if elected as the next Governor of Edo State.

In a statement released on Monday by his Campaign Organization, Ize-Iyamu attributed the false report of his purported plan to return the gangs back to the state to terrorize residents as a deliberate falsehood manufactured and spread by the opposition to deceive the electorates and conceal the hypocrisy and alleged fraud of the incumbent Governor Obaseki.

He says Governor Godwin Obaseki continues to obtain tax with questionable and non-state actors such as Chief Odion Olaye, Austin Edosomwan, who was the former Vice to Comrade Tony Kabaka, Kelly Okungbowa (aka Ebo Stone), and many others despite awarding a corrupt contract to his personal firm, VIISAUS, to claim nearly 10% of all collected taxes.

Ize-Iyamu said while Obaseki has merely entrusted power to his own brand of loyal thugs who continue to fleece the state and terrorize the people, he would bring the problem to a conclusive end with a transitional program contained in the Manpower Development section of his SIMPLE agenda meant to rehabilitate and empower the agberos before their re-integration into the society to live responsibly and make useful contributions.

The statement read: “It is important to state categorically that there are no plans to bring “Agberos” to the state as being erroneously peddled by the opposition and their co-travelers.”

“Unlike the incumbent who merely politicized the situation and compounded it with his reckless actions that reflect the scattershot approach and unpreparedness of his administration to offer conclusive solutions to the problems confronting Edo State, our manifesto, the SIMPLE agenda has already captured and proffered solutions to the ‘Agbero’ situation, specifically under the ‘M’ which stands for Manpower Development and Training.”

“The government of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu will not force all the actors or people referred to as ‘Agberos’ on self-exile to Libya or the Mediterranean Sea to die as they remain sons and daughters of Edo State. Instead, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu will institute a transitional and rehabilitation program for the training and empowerment of these actors to help them become self-sustaining entrepreneurs in a chosen field to help them useful to themselves and the society at large.”

“Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu will also take the actors through a re-orientation process that will make their future operations, if any, conform with current global best standards and practices in the revenue collector sectors.”

“These are practical plans that will bring this problem to an end. It is not enough to merely replace a set of collectors with another set as the incumbent government has lazily done, despite embarking on a campaign of deceit to blur the facts.”

“Edo people should ask the government of Governor Godwin Obaseki the roles and job functions of the following individuals and their companies in the revenue collection process at the state and local government level: Chief Odion Olaye (Olaye International Nigeria Ltd.), Pastor Sunny Erhahon (A.E Contractors Ltd.), Austin Edosomwan (former Vice to Comrade Tony Kabaka), Kelly Okungbowa (aka Ebo Stone), S.I. Ofeimu (Uniworld Integrated Service), Charles Momoh (Smart Jeff Nigeria Ltd.), Samuel Kelvin Ayo (Saeppin Nigeria Ltd.), Afigie Ogene (Baskyuy Nigeria Ltd.), Dirisu Shuabi O. (Schevshenco & Dad Ent Ltd.) and host of others who are all engaged in the so-called ‘Agbero’ or revenue collection in the state.”

“The real truth, which Governor Godwin Obaseki is trying to shield from the public knowledge, is that he had used the word ‘Agberos’ to blackmail Edo people while introducing his personal private company called VIISAUS that now collects a whooping percentage of 7% as service provider and 2.5% as technical partner on all total revenue collection of both Edo State Government and all the local government revenue collection in the state.”

“This runs into millions of naira every month outside the other charges for scratch cards and POS maintenance cost drawn by the Lagos companies."

Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, the wife of the APC candidate in the Edo Governorship election, has assured women of plans in her husband’s manifesto, the SIMPLE agenda, to empower and support women with investments in the businesses and protection against abuse.

She gave this assurance while speaking at a campaign rally at Uzebba, Owan West Local Government Council on Sunday.
Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, alongside other Edo APC Women leaders including the wife of the Deputy Governorship candidate, Hajia Nana Audu, and the APC State woman leader, Mrs. Betty Okoebor, met with excited supporters from Owan West, Owan East, and Akoko Edo councils who all declared their support for the APC and promised to vote the party at the polls.

Prof Idia said Pastor Ize-Iyamu has careful plans to expand the trade and businesses of the women with government support, improve security, especially in rural communities to ensure the protection of women and other residents, and to care for the elderly.

In her words, “we are here to tell you that our Governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, will boost your businesses, create jobs for your children, and take care of your welfare.”
He will also support your farming activities and ensure your markets have water and toilet facilities”

She said being a medical practitioner, she would assist her husband to revamp the health sector of the state if elected.

“Most of our hospitals lack doctors, nurses, drugs; I will contribute my professional experience to ensure that all these are provided in our state government hospitals so that you can access good medical services.”

“I will ensure that elderly people and children with special needs get access to free medical services”.

She says Pastor Ize-Iyamu will address the infrastructure decay in the state, especially in the education sector to improve learning in the state and ensure that children, including those in rural communities, gain access to quality education in conducive environments.

A voter education exercise was also conducted at the rally as the women were shown the right way to cast their votes.

Tourism

The ultimate goal of our tourism economic programme will be to capitalize on the centrality of the state to develop ‘BRAND EDO’, which will be built around entertainment, as well as our historical and cultural heritage. Tourism’s main comparative advantage over other sectors is that visitors’ expenditure has a “flow-through” or catalytic effect across the economy in terms of production and employment creation. During the construction phase of tourist accommodation and services, jobs are created. Tourism investment can generate the demand for locally produced foods, clothing, art and craft, furniture and furnishings, and capital equipment. Tourism also generates the demand for transport, telecommunication, and financial services.
In order to bring back the glory of our beloved state, we shall employ renewed ideas and strategic partnerships with experienced local and international stakeholders in the following areas:

i. Development of Edo Tourism Master-Plan
ii. Organization of an annual Benin Carnival
iii. Creation of Tourism Development Zones
iv. Convocation of Edo State Tourism Summit
v. Creation of tourism Clusters
vi. Identification of tourist Destinations across the state
vii. Reclamation and Development of tourism Assets
viii. Classification of tourist services
ix. Local, regional and international marketing programmes
x. Construction of a world-class shopping mall in partnership with private investors.

#TheSimpleAgenda
#EdoMustMoveForward
#PastorOsagieIzeIyamu2020
#ManifestoOfHope

#POISimpleAgenda

Vote @PastorIzeIyamu ;
A leader who listens
@EpicCycl
@PastorIzeIyamu
@OfficialAPCNg

VOTE Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu For Governor and Mallam Gani Audu As Deputy Governor

#EdoMustMoveForward
#POIGANI
#PastorOsagieIzeIyamu
#Edo2020

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has approved the appointment of fresh political aides.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Edo State Government is set to issue fresh appointment letters to over 1000 aides.

This latest move is seen as a political strategy to checkmate the rising popularity of the APC candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

The aides are expected to brace up the campaign of Governor Godwin Obaseki and help drive the PDP agenda.

The appointments were back-dated with the intention to cover 3 months of services by the political appointees.

The aides were placed on a monthly remuneration of 140 thousand naira and are expected to get 3 months salaries in arrears.

Already the fresh appointment is causing ripples among the PDP and Obaseki’s supporters.

Majority of the beneficiaries are alleged to be cronies, staff and friends of top party leaders.

A group within the PDP known as the PDP Youth Frontiers are already spoiling for war as they allege majority of the names on the list were not properly vetted and also contains a list of loyalist to the APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

They are spoiling for a showdown if Obaseki goes ahead to issue the appointment letters without putting them into the equation.

According to the group, some Obaseki and Philip Shaibu’s loyalist just filled the list with their girlfriends and domestic staff.

They say it is a clear situation of monkey dey work Baboon dey chop.

In a strongly worded letter sent to the PDP leadership in the State, the group called for caution on the part of the party leaders telling them that the sharing of the appointments should not be done on strictly party basis but should be given to the people based on merit.

They vowed to expose further the double standard of the PDP leaders if they go ahead with the list presently approved by Obaseki.

With barely a month to the Edo September election is it proper or morally right for Obaseki to issue fresh appointments to over 1000 aides?

https://ireporteronline.com.ng/pdp-crisis-trouble-looms-as-pdp-group-kicks-against-obasekis-fresh-appointment-of-1000-special-assistants/

Vote @PastorIzeIyamu for...

A Fresh Start
A New Voice
A New Vision
A New Leadership

Edo State is poised for a rebirth and #POISimpleAgenda.

Tomorrow is the D Day...... All roads leads to University of Benin Sports Complex

#EdoAPCCampaignFlagOff
#POI4Governor
#SIMPLEAgenda for Edo people.
#EdoMustMoveForward

... says Edo House of Assembly must discharge it's functions as enshrined in the Constitution.


The deputy-governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the Sept 19 Edo Governorship election, Mallam Gani Audu has sent a congratulatory message to Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror, the newly elected speaker of the Edo state house of assembly describing him as "the embodiment of the collective desire of members of the 7th Edo state house of assembly to ensure the return of legislative oversight into the governance of Edo state for the benefit of our people"

Rt. Hon. Victor "Tiger" Edoror of Esan Central constituency emerged Speaker on Thursday in an emergency plenary session attended by 17 elected members of the House of Assembly and subsequently Hon. Emmanuel Agbaje of Akoko-Edo Constituency II was elected as Deputy Speaker.

In the congratulatory message signed by Mohammed Mamudu, Head of media & communication, Mallam Gani Audu stated "the unanimous vote confirming Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror as Speaker Edo state house of assembly is a testament to his antecedents as a uniting force among his colleagues."

Mallam Gani said: “On behalf of the great citizens of Edo state and in particular my constituents in Estako West constituency 1 whom l humbly represent, I Honorable Gani Audu celebrate the emergence of Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror as the Speaker of the 7th Edo State House Assembly.”

“Mr Speaker, your tenure should usher in a culture of proper legislative oversight in the governance of Edo state, for the purpose of bringing development, prosperity and other dividends of democracy to our people"

“Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror’s emergence is a call to duty and a victory for participatory democracy as it marks the end of a dark period, when minority rule was imposed over the majority to the detriment of good governance"

“Rt. Hon. Edoror, I hereby enjoin you to see your emergence as the beginning of a long and painful recovery, a difficult journey that we must collectively embrace, in our determination to repair the divisive politics promoted by the outgoing administration in our state.

"While praying for your success and Allah's guidance during your tenure, again I heartily congratulate the speaker Rt. Hon. Victor Edoro, deputy speaker Hon. Emmanuel Agbaje and all Honorable members of the 7th Edo state house of assembly"

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, The Best Man For The Job.
#POISimpleAgenda
#EdoMustMoveForward

…thugs confess they were mobilized by Adjoto, Osaigbovo Iyoha

…group demands immediate prosecution

The Edo State Police Command has arrested seven pro-Obaseki thugs involved in the siege laid at the Edo Assembly complex on Thursday to prevent the majority of elected members, who have since impeached the former Speaker and replaced him with Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror, from sitting in the complex.

The arrest was made yesterday when the Police responded to an emergency call from 17 elected members of the Edo Assembly who came under attack by thugs reportedly directed by the Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to prevent plenary from holding at the Complex.

The thugs identified as Festus Agbonrenren (25 years), Odion Osayande (23 years), Ogbeiwe Wilfred (52 years), Morgan Uwaigboe (47 years), Osayomore Salami (25 years), Ifeoluwa Oladele (36 years), and Iginobaro Collins (26 years) were arrested with five double-barrel long guns, two single barrel long guns, and ten live cartridges within the premises of the Assembly complex.

Sources have confirmed that the arrested thugs have all confessed that they were mobilized by the Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Political Matters, Edo South, Mr. Osaigbovo Iyoha, and his Special Adviser on Parliamentary Issues, Mr. Kabiru Adjoto.

Governor Obaseki made an appearance at the Assembly Complex on Thursday to offer a robust defense of the actions of the thugs and the destruction of parts of the Assembly complex under the guise of ‘renovation’, although he failed to answer questions from journalists who sought an explanation on how an Assembly of 24 elected members could be formed and presided over by 7 lawmakers purportedly loyal to the Governor.

Meanwhile, an activist group in Edo State, Democracy For All, has condemned the actions of the Governor and demanded an immediate prosecution of the arrested thugs and their sponsors.

In a statement released on Friday morning, the group denounced the invasion of the Assembly Complex as an ‘egregious crime and affront on the constitution and the rule of law’, insisting that the arrested thugs, who have confessed their ties to the Edo State Governor, must be made to face the wrath of the law alongside their accomplice no matter how highly-placed.

Its statement read in part: “It is a shame that in Edo State today that we have a Governor who is insisting that a House of 24 members should be led and constituted only by 7 members. And to sustain this illegality, he has turned to violence, vandalism, and dark politics.”

“While we thought our democracy has evolved and left certain ugly trends behind, Governor Godwin Obaseki, by his actions on Thursday, set us back many years with his flagrant abuse of office, violation of the integrity and expected character of his esteemed position, and the promotion of violence and illegality.”

“Our first demand goes to the Police and it is to immediately commence processes for the prosecution of the arrested thugs and their direct sponsors, Mr. Osaigbovo Iyoha and Mr. Kabiru Adjoto.”

“Their prosecution will signal to the world that Nigeria is neither home to criminality nor a jungle where appointees of government can break the law at will and threaten law and order through the sponsorship of thuggery, violence, and unfortunate contribution to arms proliferation.”

•How I ‘ll restore Edo’s lost glory

•Oshiomhole abused me in 2016 because he had a bad product to market

By Mike Ebonugwo & Clifford Ndujihe

Edo State Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, took his quest for the Edo top job to
Lagos, last week, and told reporters that he would not allow political opponents distract him as they did in 2016. Ize-Iyamu, who had earlier granted an interview to Vanguard, said with his SIMPLE Agenda, he will transform Edo, if elected

Q.) On the belief that some loyalists of Governor Godwin Obaseki, who did not defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with him, might play the role of moles in APC during the election

A.) Yes, we know that there are moles within the party but I want to assure you that we will deal with that. I will not elaborate on our plan to deal with that, but we will deal with it.

Q.) On rising tension in Edo and how violence can be averted before, during and after the poll

A.) We have said that we want this election to be issue-based. We don’t even want to resort to name-calling, let us focus on our agenda. I can assure you that we as party will do everything possible to avoid violence during the election and we hope that the other parties, especially the PDP will do the same because of what is already playing out.

They have campaign billboards and posters across the state; in fact they started erecting such billboards before us but we approached the agency of government in-charge and asked about available spaces and the cost.

They told us and we paid only to find out that a top official of the government said ‘how can APC be allowed to have campaign billboards at strategic locations?’

The next thing that happened was that they began to remove our campaign billboards. We have petitioned the commissioner of Police in Edo State and the state Director of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Our campaign organization also addressed a press conference, where it made it clear that the PDP must be accommodating and tolerant as well as avoid anything that will trigger violence. We could have taken the law into our hands but we didn’t do that. From that time till now, they have not mentioned that one of their billboards was destroyed by our supporters.

So, I am assuring you that there will be no violence during the election as we will do our best and will cooperate with the security agents to make sure that the election is peaceful.

Q.) Have you been able to address those factors that worked against you in the 2016 governorship election?

A.) If you had followed that election, you would have found out that despite the fact that I was coming from an opposition party in the state at that time, it was not easy for the ruling party. They had to postpone the election a day to it and brought it back after 18 days and when the result started coming out and I was leading, you saw the drama that ensued and announcement of the results had to be stopped.

By the time they came back, the whole thing had changed. But, when the Supreme Court says a particular person won, you don’t have to argue. However, I can assure you that everything that happened then have been addressed and this time is our time.

Q.) Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole said all sort of things about you during the last election, but you are working with him now. How do you react to that?

A.) Yes, Oshiomhole threw punches at me in 2016, but people tend to have short memory. Oshiomole was at Benson Idahosa University, when I was being given a doctorate and he spent over one hour praising me for my contributions in his government and the role I am playing in the state.

Oshiomhole also came to my farm at one time, when I was graduating students and he listed the roles I was playing in the state. At my 50th birthday, there was no word he didn’t use to describe me including the fact that if he wants to mention those, who have helped him to succeed in government, there is no way my name will not be there.

So, if during the campaigns for the 2016 governorship election he was abusing me because I was on the other side, what do you expect?

Of course, he needed to abuse me, especially when he didn’t have a good product. You can imagine how Governor Obaseki started his campaign for the forthcoming election. They placed a big screen on Ring road in Benin, where everybody passes and one would have thought that all he would be playing on that kind of screen are achievements of his administration in the last four years. Instead of that, he is playing about the governor of Kano State.

It was when condemnation came from within and outside Nigeria that they had to stop it. What has the governor of Kano State got to do with the governorship election in Edo State apart from being the chairman of APC National Campaign Council? I am sure that those who had gone through campaigns before will tell you that people will call their opponents all sorts of names during electioneering campaigns, but if you allow those things to bother you, they will distract you.

In fact, I confessed somewhere that they succeeded four years because I had my SIMPLE Agenda but I didn’t talk about it as I spent all the time replying their insults. Everyone knew that I had the SIMPLE Agenda but I didn’t talk about what I had, which they never had. This time I will not allow myself to be distracted; I will tell Edo people about my SIMPLE Agenda.

Q.) Are you going do to limit yourself to just one term in office if you win the election giving the clamour of Edo Central, which has never produced governor or deputy to produce the governor in 2024?

A.) When you are elected; are you elected to serve for two terms? You serve one term at a time and one term is four years, not eight years. So, in terms of planning, don’t leave any of your projects to run for an eight-year period or 20 year-period.

If you want people to appreciate what you are doing or you want your agenda to be measurable and achievable, let it be within the period of your tenure. So, when I say four years, I am clearly conscious of the number of years a tenure is. Again, we are not God and nobody knows who will be alive tomorrow and death is not determined by age or position. So, why don’t we talk about what is on ground and leave the future to God?

Q.) What is your take on security votes and are you going to stop it?

A.) I won’t say that I will stop security votes because what is important is what you use it for. I can’t make security a cardinal part of my agenda and there are no security votes; it is ridiculous.

How do you handle security matters without financial votes? But the money you put in will determine or reflect the seriousness you attach to that area. So, for me, part of the security votes apart from going to the security agencies should also go to vigilance groups.

They should not be working for gratis. How can communities raise people, who are guarding farmlands and rural roads and government will not send them anything as support?

Today, all the forests in Edo State have been taken over by criminals. If security votes were well managed by the present administration in the state, those forests would have been cleaned out. So, let use security votes judiciously and not see it as money for the governor.

Q.) On whether his jumping from APC to PDP, and back to APC in four years is stable and won’t affect his chances

It is not a question of instability. It is a question of being consistent with your goals and objectives. I have never hidden the fact that I am in politics to access government for the benefit of my people. And so if you find yourself in a political party that is not interested in winning election or that does not take seriously the issue of winning, of course a tree does not make a forest, you alone cannot do it. It will mean that you will have to have a rethink. When I left APC to join the PDP, of course we were angry with the way certain things were going on. The congresses then (party congresses) were being manipulated against many of our associates and we were not happy about it and we felt that there was a conspiracy of sort against us and it was better to move elsewhere. It was not because we felt that the APC manifesto or vision was not compatible with our own dreams. And since we left, a lot of people talked to us to return. We have done so much to see how we could revamp the PDP but we just realised that we were in the midst of strange bed fellows. Most of the people there did not share in our dreams and visions, so we met and discussed it. We came to a conclusion that it will be a lot better if we returned to the APC. No matter what you will say, the APC is quite purposeful, especially in terms of being in government; they take it seriously. We believe that whatever impact we want to make in the political arena can only be achieved when we get to government.

Q.) It has been rumoured that the main reason you joined the APC is to have the ticket for this year’s election. How true is this?

A.) You must know that as human beings we have ambitions; but again, they say man proposes, God disposes. Any man who is wise will look at all the options available to him. In coming back to the APC, we came with an open mind. Open mind number one: you can’t run away from the fact that there is already a governor who is from the APC and who of course will desire a second term. So, we came in knowing that there could be a consensus in this direction, it was possible. No matter the difference that was brewing, it was possible that reconciliation could come and the governor could get a consensus affirmation. If that happened, we were not going to take a walk and leave the party. So that option was available to us. We knew that it was there and we told ourselves if that happens it simply means that we would ensure that we push for areas to be considered in the developmental plans of the governor as a condition for supporting and making his election easy, that was one. Another option was that the party in its wisdom could choose a new person. And again, if that happened, were we going to walk away? No! We said the important thing is that we are in a party that would be in government and we would use our presence there to ensure that we are able to push for development for our people and our constituents, and that again was an option. And there was a third option that said look Pastor you were in this party before, you are one of the founders of this party. It is also possible that some of those who have been urging you to return and all your old friends there might say, look Pastor, why don’t you run for governorship. I said if that is also possible, why not? It will give us the opportunity to implement our SIMPLE AGENDA which we believe is all encompassing and something that is a veritable roadmap for the development of our state.

So those options were there. It is not as if one went with one mindset, it would have been foolish to just say you are going there only for governorship.

Assuming it doesn’t work and you know with the level of enlightenment in our state, no matter the promises, there are still lots of setbacks; so you can’t go with just one mindset that, oh you have to get governorship. So we actually came with that mindset of anything could happen but the important thing is let’s go there in strength, number and add value but we met a very hostile governor who despite our previous relationship and offers to work to make the party stronger was not receptive.

So, automatically, his attitude to us and to most party leaders has even reduced the option of him becoming the candidate. And then, there are other aspirants and to the glory of God, the leadership of the party said Pastor you have been one of us, nobody is going to discriminate against you because you left and came back and many of us still appreciate you and even when you campaigned in the other side, we were very impressed by the way you carried your campaign and the support you gathered and the manifesto which you presented and we urge you to also join and let us see how it goes. Recently, I had the privilege of playing host to APC leaders, quite a number of them from the 18 local government areas. At that meeting I was urged to contest for the governorship  and a motion was moved by no less a person than a former speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. David Iyoha who is from Edo Central Senatorial District and it was seconded by Hon. Washington Osifo who is one of the members-elect in the House of Assembly from Uhunmwode and Hajia Mariam, a former commissioner in the state under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and also a former commissioner in this present government from Edo North, and everybody stood up and said Pastor you must contest. It was a very humbling experience and with that kind of reassuring confidence in me, it is difficult to say I wouldn’t contest and so far so good I seriously believe that that option is viable and is something that I should pursue for the good of our people. I am working towards it.

Q.) On re-working his SIMPLE Agenda in view of changing dynamics of politics, security and other crises that have evolved beyond what he imagined

A.) There’s no doubt that things have changed. Insecurity, especially violence, like we have now is greater than what was prevailing then. To be fair to Adams Oshiomhole’s government when he was governor, there was a lot of political tolerance. Opponents were not being dealt with in the very brutal manner that you see now. When you play back, the only time bomb exploded was during my election and when you look at that incident and what is playing out now, it is very easy to now pin-point where that bomb that exploded in my wife’s clinic came from. It is clear because even the Comrade has himself admitted that when he was in government, he warned some people about their excessive resort to violence that that was not the way to go. Apparently, they didn’t listen to him and they are still not listening to him now. In fact, he has become a target of their violence and it is only that when he was in government he was more or less in charge and he didn’t give them the kind of encouragement and funding they now have where it has become very rampant. Even on the political security side, there is more emphasis on security because people were not scared to come to our state. You get to the airport, you will see Marijuana-smoking thugs without shirts, chanting war songs and for first time visitors in the state, you can imagine the apprehension and the many negative opinion that they will have of our state and these are state-sponsored.

Q.) On N700 million court case against him and potential effect on his chances

A.) I am not deterred, I am not worried because that case started in 2015 and that case didn’t stop me from contesting the election and the issues are quite clear. Nobody has accused me of stealing any money. The money in question did not come to me personally, it did not come to my account. The only thing is that the party wanted some of us to ascertain that the money came, which we did. All those who signed and collected the money are known and are not hiding the fact. Recently we noticed that the same case was dismissed in Yobe. Election money, people signed for it and EFCC took them to court and by the time the EFCC closed their case, a no case submission was raised. One, The money in question did not come from government coffers, did not show that the money was raised from government coffers. I can tell you for free that the money that was sent to Edo was not money from Dasukigate, it was not money from NNPC or from Deziani. It is clear because those who lodged that money in the bank are from the private sector and we have been able to see their statements which they volunteered that they made contributions. So, the money was not government funds, neither did it come from illegal sources. That itself destroys the ingredient of money laundering because to be talking about money laundering it means that the funds in question came from an illegal source

Two, was there any personal benefit? Did you get this money for yourself? There was no personal enrichment. No personal benefit. Nobody can say that out of the N700 million, Pastor Ize-Iyamu took one naira from it. All the people signed and their statements are with the EFCC.

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VANGUARD

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/08/edo-2020-its-my-time-to-govern-edo-ize-iyamu/amp/

Prominent members of the Obaseki family have endorsed and pledged their support for the candidate f the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, in the September 19 Edo Governorship election.

The endorsement of the APC candidate by the embattled Governor's family on Saturday in a meeting at Ize-Iyamu's private residence in Benin, completes a disappointing week for the PDP's candidate which saw numerous aides, appointees, and other government officials resign their positions to back Ize-Iyamu.


Victor Obaseki, a cousin of Governor Godwin Obaseki, while speaking at the meeting, admitted that although Godwin Obaseki is a kin, he won't be getting the support of the family.

He said :"I am here today in company of my cousins to support Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu."

"Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, the executive governor, is our cousin. Generally, The Obasekis have their own way of doing things; we are a different branch of faith, we are supporting our brother, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu with an unalloyed support fully for him. I have supported him before, and I would continue to support him, we would do all our campaigns for him without let or hindrance, fully from the bottom of our hearts."

On his part, Ize-Iyamu expressed his delight at the support of the Obaseki family, stressing that this serves as a confirmation of the poor administration that Godwin Obaseki has given to Edo state in the past four years.

He also praised the Obaseki family for not allowing sentiments becloud their judgement in their support for who is right to lead Edo state for the next four years.

"Let me thank you for the endorsement. I have known some of you for many years and I am very happy that politics has not strained our relationship."

"It is true as Osaro said that far away in New York, I had the opportunity of meeting with him and other Edolites, where I shared my ambition.
Osaro has been a good gentleman and humble man, and has always declared his support."

"He came out this morning to say, Godwin has not done well, and not because they answer the same surname, would continue to support him and go through the very poor performance that we have seen in the past four years."

"They will not allow the sentiments or even deceit of brotherhood make them vote for somebody they know is not qualified for a position."

RE: AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PALACE AND CAPTAIN HOSA OKUNBO BY CONCERNED EDO CITIZENS.

I am taken aback by the outburst by one Emmanuel Igiebor addressed to the Palace of His Royal Majesty the Oba of Benin and Captain Hosa Okunbo wherein he made wild allegations against His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, the Revered seat of the throne of the Oba and Captain Hosa Okunbo, in an attempt to degrade His Royal Majesty by associating him with the event that occurred outside the palace gates when the Oba received the Edo State Governor and his entourage during their visit to him.

It is interesting to note that the throne of the Benin Kingdom at all times has been neutral and non partisan in Edo State or Nigerian Politics as His Royal Majesty is the Father of all and as such the Oba of Benin does not and will not involve in partisan politics as it is against the interest of the exalted throne which he occupies.

You will recall that in a visit to the Óba Palace by the National Chairman of the PDP wherein he requested that the Óba pray for the successful second tenure of Governor Godwin Obaseki, His Royal Majesty responded that prayers cannot be restricted to a particular political party, rather all the parties that visit the palace are evenly prayed for, while asking God almighty and our ancestors to choose the best person that is fit for the job. The Palace stopped praying for a particular candidate or political party when the Palace of the Óba of Benin was taken to court by the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbenedion on the allegation that the prayers offered to Chief Lucky Imasuen was more supportive than the prayers offered to Chief Lucky Igbenedion.

It is worthy of note to state that Captain Hosa Okunbo from the days of His Royal Majesty Oba Erediauwa has been a worthy son and a good friend of the palace who takes interest and delight in the progress of Edo State and has never at any time approached or tried to cajole or persuade the palace to support any particular candidate vying for any elective office.

Captain Hosa's friendship with the palace predates the present Óba and thus it was not surprising when Captain Hosa launched a book in honour of Oba Erediauwa titled: A Compendium of Speeches and Writings of Omo N'Oba N'Edo Erediauwa of Great Benin, edited by Osarhieme Benson Osadolor and published by Ibadan University Press 2013. Captain Hosa was the Chief launcher, while General Gowon and Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka were in attendance as Chairman and book reviewer respectively.

Furthermore, Capt. Hosa's relationship with the Palace was exhibited when he welcomed His Excellency, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to Benin City during his campaign in the company of Prince Ada, prince Ekpen, prince Osama and Prince Ehioze. After the outcome of that election which was favourable to PDP at the state but not at federal level, Capt. Hosa was advised by the then crown prince who by the grace of God Almighty and ancestors is now Oba Ewuare II to desist from partisan politics and since then till date, Captain Hosa as a friend and son of the Palace adhered.

It is common knowledge that in appreciation to the contributions of Captain Hosa Okunbo to the development of the Benin Kingdom and Edo State at large and his worthy character as a good son, His Royal Majesty Oba Erediawa bestowed on Captain Hosa the Ikele Beads on the 2nd of October, 2014 and Captain Hosa has continued to play a cardinal role in the upliftment of Edo State in general and Benin city in particular.

It is not news that during the coronation, the Oba's Palace received gifts from various persons and bodies, and even the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria thus the attempt to ridicule the palace with regards to gifts received from Captain Hosa is very sad. The question that ought to be asked is what did the Edo State Government do for the palace during the coronation?

I find it disturbing that someone would associate the long time cordial relationship between the Palace and Captain Hosa to the recent political development in Edo State.

Edo State is dear to all of us and we must strive as a people with common goal to protect our history, culture and institutions. Edo state is known for her peace and unity and this is what we should continue to strive for before, during and after the elections, hence we must desist from divisive utterances and actions inimical to these objectives.

Óba gha tór ókpere, Isé!!!

Dr. Osaze Otabor

.....Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu will win the September 19 elections by landslide


The real bad product is the dying PDP and its band of tax-collectors as described by the same man, Governor Nyesom Wike, who alerted the world to how the leaders of his party sold its ticket to Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

They are stuck with a man they roundly condemned as a failure. The verdict of the PDP on the third anniversary of Obaseki's administration is available for all to read.

To quote Dan Orbih who is Wike's stooge and the then PDP-Chairman directly, he said "the governor has not delivered on the 200,000 jobs he promised youths in Edo State. Our roads are begging for attention. There is worsening insecurity, in spite of the huge amount of security vote he withdraws monthly."

We believe Nigerians know not to take the likes of Wike seriously. His interest in Edo State is very curious. Why did he reverse his decision to hands off when his attempt to nominate Dan Orbih as Obaseki's running mate was rebuffed by the PDP tax collectors after money exchanged hands?

Governor Nyesom Wike's reckless outbursts and mouth diarrhea which saw him disparage his State's traditional rulers have already discredited him before well-meaning Nigerians. He is inconsequential in Edo State and his endless rants are of no effect.

Pastor Ize-Iyamu continues to enjoy the goodwill of Edo people as seen in the rising number of endorsements recorded daily. It is of no doubt, at this point, that he is going to win the election by a landslide.

Health

To increase life expectancy through an integrated, reformed, restructured and functional health care system.

• To provide the personnel, manpower and institutions that will assist our people by ensuring access to good healthcare delivery.

• To ensure that the good effect of all these services are felt by all, irrespective of their location and socio-economic status.

• To set up a functional disease control agency for surveillance, monitoring and evaluation of diseases such as HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and leprosy amongst others. This agency will be called the Edo State Centre for Disease Control.

• To encourage public/private partnership by promoting private sector participation, standardization and compliance.

• To establish appropriate regulatory institutions to set standards, monitor and enforce compliance.

• To ensure that the state’s “Simple Strategic Health Development Plan” and health services are delivered through these channels, the following will be reorganized or constructed:

#TheSimpleAgenda
#EdoMustMoveForward
#PastorOsagieIzeIyamu
#Edo2020
#ManifestoOfHope

At least 7 out of the 12 elected local Councilors in Oredo Local Government, including that of Governor Godwin Obaseki's Ward, have all declared support for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and promised to deliver a landslide victory for him in the local government.

Hon. Collins Eweka of Ward 12, Mr. Smart Ehioze of Ward 03, Mr. Geofrrey Enabulele of Ward 08, Mr. Bright Aisien of Ward 04, Mr. Omoregbe Samuel of Ward 07, Mr. Efosa Ogiame of Ward 11, and Mr. Reliance Okugbowa of Ward 09 met with the candidate and other leaders of the APC on Tuesday in his private residence to reassure him of their complete support ahead of the September 19 Governorship election.

Speaking at the meeting, the Councilor of Ward 04 where Governor Godwin Obaseki is registered as a member maintained that as an elected local lawmaker on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, his loyalty, and that of others in Oredo LG, remains with the party and they will ensure the victory of Pastor Ize-Iyamu at the polls.

Other lawmakers attested to Ize-Iyamu's accessibility, leadership, ability to bring the government closer to the people through other elected local officers in a peaceful government governed by respect engagement and focus on development, as opposed to the victimization and vendetta that presently obtains.

In his address to the lawmakers, Pastor Ize-Iyamu said their visit and open endorsement represent a clear indication to all that the All Progressives Congress maintains full political control of the Oredo Local Government.

In his words, "Out of the 12 Councilors elected to represent the people of Oredo LG, we have 7 here with us, including that of the Governor's ward. It is a clear indication to all that Oredo is APC and we will record a comprehensive victory there at the polls."

"I salute the Councilors for their courage. I know the victimization that they have been enduring because free choice is now a crime in Edo State due to the desperation of the incumbent, but I assure them that it will come to an end very soon."

Other APC leaders at the meeting including the Director-General of the Campaign Council for the Edo Governorship election, General Cecil Esekhaigbe, and Hon. Chris Okaeben, the member-elect of Oredo West in the Edo Assembly, all commended the Councilors and them of the party's support in their ongoing mobilization efforts.

On November 12, 2020, Godwin Obaseki would have spent four years as Governor of Edo state. By the special grace of God, that will be the terminal date of his exit from the power rostrum of Edo state. Of course, he has jumped ship to seek re-election in the opposition Peoples' Democratic Party, (PDP), but from all available statistics on ground, it is a project that is dead on arrival. And too many things are happening in quick succession that exposes the level of desperation of a Governor that has turned Edo political turf to another Iraq, where gun-shots have become familiar sounds to the ears of the people. If only Godwin Obaseki was godly enough to strategically apply the doctrines of collective bargaining and constructive engagement, he would have been enjoying a peaceful sleep at every nightfall. When this needless political squabbles was gathering dust and well-intentioned people tried to mediate, Godwin Obaseki was showing the gusto of a macho, ready to wrestle everybody aground. With money and power, common sense does not visit you easily. Those who are profitting from him would rather wish the fight continues, since that is a guarantee for their continued exploitation.

They add pep to the drumbeats of sustained combat, remind him that he is the Governor who controls the oscillation of the political pendulum. They danced ostentatiously, with whimsical strokes, to suit the percussive sounds of the drummers. They hailed and wailed, with salutary catch phrases that would swell the sensibilities of the initiate. He was the new sheriff in town, that must be dreaded; else, he visits his anger on anyone. To make an easy sail, he told his hangers-on that he was fighting godfathers and succeeded in almost blackmailing his benefactors; those who cooked and pounded the yam, garnished with special culinary to create an aroma that suits the addictive properties of power. When a godson fights a godfather, the godson becomes the godfather. That exactly is the rubrics of power game. You cannot be in politics without godfathers. I haven't seen one of such political setting where godfatherism is not an item on the menu. It isn't a Nigerian word. It all depends on how power is appropriated to serve the common good. As we speak, Godwin Obaseki has become the PDP's godfather-in-Chief, while Phillip Shuaibu, has become deputy godfather-in-Chief. They both control the power apparatchik of the PDP presently.

Typical of any political power formation, especially in third world countries where those who wield power are almost like demi-gods, when the holder is seeing his exit door nearby, his cognitive, affective and psychomotive skills create a psychological unease, such that causes him restlessness. He suspects everyone around him, because he wouldn't know what information has gone out there to his political foes through supposedly trusted aides. In the case of Godwin Obaseki, it is becoming obvious that he is not enjoying the best of psychological collection that would make him stand above the menacing force of unreason to take the best of decisions. I can see him ageing fast, with grey hair spots on his guber crown. His looks are conveying the symptoms of boredom, as he paces up and down, to find the appropriate response to the legion of "troubles" rearing their heads everyday. At the dawn of everyday, it is one resignation too many, and the thought that more may come in the days and weeks ahead, also carries its own tempestuous burden. Who to truly trust becomes a riddle woven into several possibilities and permutations.

I am still wondering if this was the same Godwin Obaseki that we both sat next to each other in almost four years of being part of Edo State Executive Council. I served four years and he served eight years. I am also wondering if this is the same Godwin Obaseki that signed the dotted lines as witness to love; when Oshiomhole took his adorable wife on 15th May, 2015. As much as I tried to unravel the puzzle that has remained unsolved till date, the more I see the complexities in human physiology. But those who apply the inelegant traits in human relations as a desirable outcome, are often those who brook no nonsense when dealing with situations. The realities of financial proclivity that would be unravelled by the time Obaseki exited would further justify the reason for this desperation. From the alleged sales of Edo state shares in BUA Cement, Okpella, to the unwholesome dealings of Ossiomo Independent Power Plant, from the failed Gelegele Port project where millions have allegedly been drained, to the Industrial Park that has been overtaken by weeds, Edo people would be served a hollywood exposé of monumental corruption and malfeasance like never before. From monies that were taken under dubious headings to prosecute the removal of Oshiomhole, to the sales of Edo state shares in Azura Power Plant, from illicit transactions in the Ogbe stadium project and how monies released were allegedly frittered away by relatives of principal officers of government in the name of consultancy, Edo people would watch the archetypal documentation of a ninth day wonder. It is all these that are bothering Godwin Obaseki, not Ize-Iyamu or Oshiomhole.

Edo state has been abandoned like one uninhabited village square littered with refuse and garbage as though there is no leadership in place. Benin City is presently a dumpsite, no thanks to the many refuses that have overtaken major streets in the City. Too much politics and no governance. When the clouds are gathering, preparing for rains of blessings, the people lament because of flooding and erosion that would immediately make life difficult for them. Drains are blocked. Flooding and erosion projects have been suspended, while the people agonise over safety of lives and properties. Refuse dumps everywhere also create its own health hazard in a state that has only two surgeons, where new Doctors have not been recruited in four years, where nurses have not been recruited and the only nursing school also closed down. The Tayo Akpata University of Education, Ekiadolor, that should be producing teachers to service our Primary and Secondary schools, have been shut down for three years with 11 months salaries being owed. The state Colleges of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi and Agenebode have been closed for three years, yet, the government talks about its agricultural policy as second to none. The primary healthcare project has been a snail run, while the roads infrastructure have amounted to mere window dressing. When a Governor realises that people would know the rotten underbelly of his government, he would deploy the worst form of anger to drive his campaign. That has been the Obaseki style.

The latest lethargic content of a drowning government yielded itself so easily on Saturday, July 25th, when Governor Obaseki accompanied his guests to see the revered Oba of Benin. Like a man destined for his last days, he forgot tradition befitting of a Royal Visit. He reportedly forgot to carry the colanut that would have been used to pass royal blessing to him. The visit ended up as a celebration of Nyesom Wike, who accorded the great Oba of Benin, a befitting reception when the latter visited him in Port Harcourt. The highly respected Oba of Benin, a consummate diplomat, who created a niche for himself when he represented Nigeria in different countries as our ambassador with a touch of royalty, laced with uncommon panache, understood the gaps so well. When a child knows how to wash his hands well and clean, he will dine with Kings and Royals. Aside from the condemnable booing of his PDP guests and chieftains, the whole atmosphere outside the Palace Ground was that of rejection. Who knows whether the ancestors were angry with Godwin Obaseki that day? The repriesal attacks were undesirable in every material particular. That is what you get when your days are numbered in the corridor of power.

The quarelsomeness, combativeness, showmanship, and arrogance of power within Obaseki's fold has created a bifocal image between promise and actual performance. It has now become a matter of whether to save Obaseki or to save the state. Abdulazeez Bouteflika of Algeria faced similar scenario when the morning of his grip on power came slowing down to evening, before nightfall. The Algerian Army had a choice between saving the aged Bouteflika and his inner circle of family members and friends or saving the entire Algerian nation from implosion as a result of waning influence. Every day that an appointee resigns from Obaseki's government, it sends a message of rejection. Every time appointment letters are torn in broad day light, it conveys an impression about the waning grip of Obaseki on the levers of power. Once mutual suspicion becomes the undercurrent theme, trust is broken, and everyone is seen as a foe. But because power has its own allure, its inducement, and therapeutic properties, it is often difficult for reason to prevail in the minds of those who want to sustain power at all cost. When their political urchins come with their praise singing, invoking incantations of praise on nothingness, they swell the head of their benefactor. When defeat comes staring them in the face, their eye balls get sunken, the drumbeats become hollow, noises are not heard and wailings, like winsome coquette, are silenced in the sacks of failure. That seems the only route for Obaseki as his days in power, in an era of volumptuous security votes, are surely numbered on the pages of electoral votes.

The Simple Agenda: The Manifesto of Hope

We shall construct some overhead bridges in strategic locations across the state to decongest and ease traffic flow.

• A major plank of our infrastructural development programme is to use it for job creation. Therefore, we will contact some reputable construction firms to station their plant and machinery in each of the three Senatorial Districts for ease of mobilization and deployment As part of the contractual agreement, such contractors must draw their labor (skilled and unskilled) from the host communities as a direct approach to employment generation.

• Edo State Road Maintenance Agency with full complements of earth moving equipment will be established.

#TheSimpleAgenda
#EdoMustMoveForward
#PastorOsagieIzeIyamu
#ManifestoOfHope
#Edo2020

The S in the #POISIMPLEAGENDA stands for 'Security and Social Welfare'. I believe strongly that Edo cannot move forward unless we strengthen our security architecture. We need to invest more in the security of our state, prioritize the protection of the lives and properties of our people, and engage modern technology in dealing with crimes.

It is crucial to attract investors and maximize, fully, the 'visitor economy' potentials of our state.

Security is the key to jumpstarting any development we want for our state. Added to that of course is social welfare. I believe that the government has a duty to look after our people especially the vulnerable, the elderly, the young, and the weak.

My administration will implement a robust social welfare program that will reach out to our people, including those residing in the remotest parts of our state, to offer assistance and all the help they need at all times.

#POISIMPLEAGENDA #EdoMustMoveForward #EdoForAPC #POIGANI

The Peoples Democratic Party, Edo State Chapter, lost hundreds of its members to the All Progressives Congress in Egor Local Government on Thursday during a rally held by the candidate of the APC for the Sept. 19 Governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

The rally, held in compliance with INEC’s regulations at Uselu, the headquarters of the Egor Local Government, featured prominent APC leaders and other PDP bigwigs who openly renounced their membership of the PDP, criticizing the alleged imposition of the ‘non-performing’ incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki after hush payments to ‘Abuja tax collectors’ who they claim have continued to strangulate the already weakened party.

The former PDP bigwigs led hundreds of their followers into the fold of the APC and pledged unalloyed loyalty to the election of the APC on the 19th of September.

Speaking at the rally, Pastor Ize-Iyamu praised the courage and patriotism of the defecting members for heeding their conscience and placing the needs of the State over partisan leanings.

While criticizing Governor Godwin Obaseki for failing to fulfill his 200,000 jobs promise to the people of the State and for presenting himself for another term without an agenda or documented manifesto plans, Ize-Iyamu urged other PDP members to dump the party for the APC and join his mission to rebuild the State.

He said: “I came with my SIMPLE Agenda but Obaseki wants to be Governor and doesn’t have any agenda, even after 4 years, he can’t tell Edo people what he wants to do. I have an agenda which has been in the public domain for scrutiny, the incumbent has presented nothing.”

“They promised Edo people that 200,000 jobs will be created every year but later they said the 200,000 is for the entire 4 years, interestingly, out of the audio 200,000 jobs how many Egor people have benefited?”.

“Talk of education, they have failed to employ teachers. Sadly, if you visit our schools, mostly in rural areas, you will discover that it is just 1 teacher to a school. They promised to establish health centers across the state, four years later there is nothing on the ground, is that a government we intend to support? God Forbid!”

Ize-Iyamu asked the people of Egor to take his SIMPLE agenda message to their friends and families and enlist them in what he described as a “joint task” to end the rot in Edo State and replace a badly derailed and incompetent administration with an intentional government that will rebuild the economy of the State and provide adequate welfare for all.

Mr. Daniel Ighile, the Egor LGA APC Chairman, expressed marvel at the turnout of the people and the number of defectors, adding that it is an indication that the APC remains formidable in Egor and will win the Sept. 19 election.

The immediate-past Commissioner for Information who resigned his position in the Obaseki-led government, Mr. Paul Ohonbamu, also reminded the people of Ize-Iyamu’s previous achievements and appealed to them to sustain the same level of energy and enthusiasm on election day to ensure his victory.

Other APC leaders present at the event included Hon. Crosby Eribo, the member-elect of Egor Constituency at the Edo Assembly.

He bemoaned Obaseki’s alleged undemocratic tendencies and called on the Governor to secure the release of his remanded Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Osazee Ero-Osemwingie, who was arrested in France in possession of an unexplained 2 million dollars allegedly sourced illegally from the Edo State treasury for dispatch into foreign accounts.

#POISimpleAgenda

#POISimpleAgenda is COMMON SENSE SOLUTIONS!

I will run a government that is accountable and sincere. It is my belief that once a government makes a promise, it should stick to it and fulfill it.

I have a manifesto of what I will do if elected.

I have presented the manifesto for scrutiny because I am convinced of its practicality.

I urge the people of Edo State to be critical in choosing who represents them.

It is not about sentiments, lies, or propaganda.

It is about who has the ability, and plan, to make Edo State better in the next four years. - Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu

#POISIMPLEAGENDA #EdoMustMoveForward #POIGANI #EdoForAPC

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is the man that will make Edo State great again.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is the man, he is the one taken Edo State to the next level.

Bye bye to Yeye Governor

Obaseki is a drowning man, his days as governor of Edo State Governor are numbered.

#POISimpleAgenda is the next level

#POISimpleAgenda is sweeping through the nooks and crannies of Edo State.

Everywhere you go, the people are yearning for a change of government from empty MOUs

these days i shudder at the delusive ignorance and tribal slant of comments by mostly uninformed commentators on this forum.it has become a norm to attribute the islamists insurgents in the north to buhari, this is rather an unfortunate misinformation,it is high time nigerian youths started seeing the patriotic and nationalistic standpoint of buhari and stop been deceived by d lies of the stealing class......is buhari responsible for the kidnappings in the south? We shld not forget how chief obafemi awolowo was stigmatized and robbed off the presidency and at last in death he was crowned '' the best president nigeria never had'' buhari has the political will to govern and lead this country right