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Tag: Ize-Iyamu

  • Edo 2024: The Oshiomhole factor in Ize-Iyamu withdrawal from APC primaries – By Ehichioya Ezomon

    Edo 2024: The Oshiomhole factor in Ize-Iyamu withdrawal from APC primaries – By Ehichioya Ezomon

    Taking a final perusal of this article on Friday, February 16, the journalistic instinct to seek the latest news or what’s become known as “breaking news” prompted me to ferret for updates on the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the next day, February 17, to pick a candidate for the September 21, 2024, governorship in Edo State.

    I wasn’t expecting anything spectacular other than reports on how prepared was the six-member primary election committee, headed by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, to conduct a credible and transparent election acceptable to the 12 cleared aspirants, their supporters and members of the APC, especially in the Edo State chapter.

    But what I got, as first reported by The Nation, was an unbelievable newsflash, entitled: “BREAKING: Ize-Iyamu withdraws from APC primary for Edo guber election,” with no cogent reason by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu for his unexpected withdrawal from the race he’d run twice in 2016 and 2019 on the platforms of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and APC, respectively.

    As reported later by Concord News Online, Mr Ize-Iyamu “bowed to pressures” from some top members of the APC to step down his decades-long ambition to be governor, and has subsequently “thrown his support” behind Senator Monday Okpebholo (APC, Edo Central) “in line with the party’s tacit decision to zone the governorship to Edo Central, which is yet to produce a governor since the return to democratic rule in 1999, after Senator Oserheimen Osunbor’s brief stint between 2007 and 2008.”

    Though Mr Ize-Iyamu, a cleric of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), previously fell short to clinch the governorship, his prospects for a third attempt looked brighter in 2024, and he exuded that confidence when he dismissed as “rumours” the alleged disqualification of over 24 APC aspirants by a “screening and pruning committee” traced to the handiwork of Senator and former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

    Arriving at the Benin airport on January 20 from a parley with the APC leadership in Abuja, Ize-Iyamu told a huge crowd of supporters and some APC leaders that “there is nothing to worry about,” as he’d obtain the nomination forms the next week, and contest and win the primaries and the election.
    “The highest organ of our party issued a statement, particularly on Edo governorship election, and specifically said that all those who have aspiration to run for governorship should go and collect the forms,” Ize-Iyamu said.

    He noted that when you are contesting for an election, “there are bound to be intrigues and all kinds of rumours and stories,” adding that, “I know there were rumours that some people have been excluded but by that NWC release, that is not possible anymore.”

    “The only people that can exclude aspirants is the committee set up by the NWC. Let me announce that by next week, I will collect the form. And I want to assure you that I will contest and win the election,” Ize-Iyamu said.

    It took the intervention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to quell the ensuing angst, and restore the confidence of the aspirants, including Ize-Iyamu, who the “Oshiomhole committee” had “disqualified” in an alleged bid to foist an “anointed candidate” on members of the APC.

    Ize-Iyamu, in his statement of withdrawal from the governorship on the eve of the primaries, obliquely referred to the alleged Oshiomhole scheming, and intervention of the APC leadership to right the wrong therefrom. It reads in part:

    “I entered the contest as a progressive democrat, with an open mind to keenly contest and accept the result of a process that is fair, credible and transparent. I appreciate the commendable effort made by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to correct the erroneous impression maliciously created by certain persons that some aspirants, including myself, had been disqualified from the gubernatorial contest.

    “The NWC constituted the authentic screening committee and all twelve aspirants who purchased and completed the nomination forms were successfully screened and subsequently issued clearance certificates. This step was praise worthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public.

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

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

    “Thankfully, I acknowledge the fatherly role of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the party’s national leadership for the fairness and commitment to the democratic process. Likewise, I remain grateful to the state working committee for their principled stand to allow a level playing field for all aspirants.

    “I am extremely appreciative to my family, friends, supporters, well-wishers, and the extraordinary hardworking men and women of our campaign organization who were prepared to stop at nothing to see me fly the party’s flag. I salute your great works, your steadfastness and courage.

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

    The poser: If the APC leadership had righted the wrong caused by the “Oshiomhole committee,” and Ize-Iyamu obtained the nomination forms, screened and cleared for the primaries he’d said he’d win, what influenced or induced his sudden withdrawal from the governorship race?

    If the reported “tacit zoning” of the APC ticket to Edo Central were true – contrary to earlier declaration by the party – it means Ize-Iyamu’s seen as the aspirant capable of halting the process, and should be stopped from the primaries he’s primed to win!

    Well, by Saturday when the primaries were supposed to be in progress, reports spoke of non-availability of APC officials and materials for voting, while another aspirant and former Deputy Governor Lucky Imasuen withdrew from the race, citing “the interest of peace and unity of our great party” as reason for pulling out of the governorship election.

    In a statement, captioned, “My highly esteemed supporters,” Imasuen said: “I write to you today (February 16) with a heavy heart to announce my decision to withdraw from the gubernatorial primaries of our great party scheduled for tomorrow, 17th February 2024 in the interest of peace and unity of our great party.

    “I have come to the conclusion that since our national working committee(NWC), in their wisdom, have expressed their preference for zoning the governorship position to Edo Central Senatorial district, it’s wise to align with the decision of the party.

    “I am immensely grateful for your unwavering support and belief in me throughout this journey. Your dedication and passion have been the driving force behind my campaign.

    “While this decision was not made lightly, I trust that you will understand and continue to support our party as we work together towards our shared goals.

    “From the foregoing, I’m ready to support whoever emerges as our candidate in the primary election scheduled for tomorrow.”

    Now, back to my “original copy” – which bears a similar heading: “Edo 2024: The Oshiomhole factor in APC primaries, September poll” – before the Ize-Iyamu bombshell. Read and see if the article – abridged to accommodate the unfolding political drama – uncannily foretold the “breaking news,” and the mess of a governorship primary election, which four aspirants lay claims to winning. It runs as follows:

    As you read this article, results would’ve been published for the direct primaries conducted on February 17, under the ambit of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to pick a candidate for the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma led the six-member primary election committee that supervised the poll.

    The shadow poll became more intense when Senator and former Governor Adams Oshiomhole reportedly influenced the screening and pruning of the over 30 aspirants to six, thereby incurring condemnation from the “sidelined” aspirants and their supporters.

    Intervening to douse tension, the national headquarters of the APC disclaimed the fathom “screening committee,” with the NWC re-asserting its authority to vet aspirants who’d purchased the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms of N10m and N40m each, for the primaries.

    On February 10, the APC seven-man National Gubernatorial Aspirants Screening Committee, led by Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, cleared all 12 aspirants that appeared before it – including six of the aspirants the “Oshiomhole committee” disqualified: Hon. Anamero Dekeri, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Mr Gideon Ikhine, Maj-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (retd), Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, and Dr Blessing Agbomhere.

    The other six cleared aspirants that earlier had the “Oshiomhole committee” blessing include Mr Clem Agba, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Mr Lucky Imasuen, Col. David Imuse (retd), Hon. Dennis Idahosa and Dr Ernest Umakhihe.

    Yet, as the APC members went for the primaries on Saturday, speculations indicate that Oshiomhole hasn’t abandoned his quest to “impose” an “anointed candidate” from among his “chosen six aspirants.”

    Oshiomhole may well have his way as a two-time governor, and senator, who’s become “the issue in Edo politics” since his entry into politics in 2007, such that he can determine where the political pendulum will swing for good and for ill of the APC in the state.

    The bombastic former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is guaranteed block votes from his home base of Edo North, which he topped up with votes from Edo South and Edo Central to win two terms in office (2008-2016), and install a successor in 2016. Oshiomhole can also do damage to his party through unbridled actions, and unguarded utterances, such as happened from 2016 to 2020 that caused APC’s defeat in 2020. The party’s striving to reverse that defeat on September 21.

    What Oshiomhole’s trying to do in Edo was virtually the preserve of a Police officer-turned politician, Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih (1933-2018) – a political colossus nicknamed “Mr Fix It,” who grew in influence and the ways of “winning (fixing) elections,” that he couched a one liner: “There’s no vacancy in Aso Rock” (the presidency) or Government House at stake. (This is a story for another day in the Edo 2024 governorship.)

    Meanwhile, Oshiomhole’s sudden rise, and Chief Anenih’s loss of influence in Edo politics is traced to Oshiomhole’s court retrieval of his “stolen mandate” from Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, Anenih’s “anointed” PDP candidate for the 2007 elections.

    There’re insinuations in the polity that having fallen out with Osunbor due to “irreconcilable differences,” Anenih offered Oshiomhole of the the dissolved Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the “political ammo” to use against Osunbor at the election petitions and appellate courts. Sadly, Oshiomhole’s to turn Anenih into a political punching bag throughout his eight-year tenure of office.

    Oshiomhole accused Anenih and others of being “godfathers,” which he repeately vowed to stamp out in Edo State. The strategy worked to diminish Anenih’s political stature in the eyes of Edolites, while unwittingly promoting the “Comrade Governor” as the new “godfather” in the guise of a messiah.
    Oshiomhole exhibited his “godfatherism” during the 2016 governorship election by unilaterally picking Lagos-based businessman, Mr Godwin Obaseki, as his successor, damning all opposition, even from his Deputy Governor Pius Odubu.

    But the chummy relationship between Oshiomhole and Obaseki didn’t last, as Obaseki alleged that Oshiomhole’s scheming to extend his “godfatherism” to the running of his government. As a payback, Oshiomhole, as national chairman of the APC, denied Obaseki a re-election ticket in 2020, forcing Obaseki to defect to the PDP.

    Ahead of the 2024 governorship poll, Obaseki, who’s also grown into a “godfather,” has ditched the ambition of his ally and Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu for a Lagos-based business associate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, even as Oshiomhole attempts to stamp his overlordship on the APC, regarding who bears the party flag at the September 21 election.

    Barring attempts by Oshiomhole to throw another wrench in the works, Edo is again ripe for the APC to reclaim from the PDP the power it “freely” got in 2020 after 12 years (2008-2020) in the political wilderness! But having become “the issue in Edo politics,” Oshiomhole will yet determine the success or failure of the APC to return to power it lost via his powerplay with Obaseki in 2020.

    Indeed, a video surfaced on social media on the eve of the primaries, showing Oshiomhole addressing APC members in Edo North, to vote for House of Representatives member, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who the Uzodinma committee eventually declared as winner of the primaries amid disruption by aggrieved political thugs.

    It’s a guessing game what next the APC leadership will do, as “the primary is not cast in stone,” as the national chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, told the Uzodinma committee at its inauguration in Abuja days before the primaries.

    Ganduje said any aggrieved aspirants could apply to the primary appeals committee for review of the election, for possible redress of observed anomalies, which were reportedly overwhelming during the balloting. If proven, it’d be a sad day for the Uzodinma primaries committee, the APC and democracy in general!

  • Edo 2024: Ize-Iyamu’s third time march for governor – By Ehichioya Ezomon

    Edo 2024: Ize-Iyamu’s third time march for governor – By Ehichioya Ezomon

    He cuts a familiar figure, and preaches a familiar message! Two-time governorship candidate of rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2016 and 2020, respectively, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, claims he’s a detribalised, pan-Edo politician, who sees Edo State as one family, and seeks simultaneous even development of all sections, as a panacea for the divisive issues of marginalisation and recourse to ethnicity.

    Aspiring again to be governor in the September 21, 2024, election on the platform of main opposition APC in the state, Mr Ize-Iyamu, 61, says the agitation for zoning of the governorship stems from uneven development of the senatorial districts of Edo South, Edo North and Edo Central by successive governments, especially since democracy returned in Nigeria in 1999.

    “Stemming from this, I am aware of the importance of electing a competent state chief executive who would stay focused in the discharge of his duties; who would see to the development of every nook and cranny of the three senatorial districts simultaneously,” Ize-Iyamu said on December 27, as reported by Concord News Online of his declaration for governor at the APC secretariat in Benin City, capital city of Edo State.

    A minister of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ize-Ize-Iyamu, waxing biblical, notes that in line with his upbringing and pastoral calling, each time he sees an Edo indigene, “I do not see a Benin, an Esan, an Etsako, an Owan, an Akoko-Edo, an Ika, an Ijaw or a Hausa, an Igbo or a Yoruba. What I see is an Edo person, whether an indigene or a resident.”

    “It is impossible for me to discriminate on any basis because my motivation in politics is the admonition by Jesus Christ that, ‘Let your light so shine among men so they shall see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.’ So I endeavour my light to shine in the midst of darkness, and that light is not for some, but for all.”

    Opposing “ethnicisation of Edo politics,” Ize-Iyamu declares – to the cheers of his teeming supporters at the carnival-like ceremony at the APC office on Airport Road in Benin City – that: “Edo needs a governor that has a roadmap for development and progress of the state, someone who understands the workings of government and not a total stranger.

    “We want a governor that will see Edo as his own, develop the state, and not a governor with tribal sentiments. We want a governor that will relate with the party and have regular session with the party.”

    To solidify his claim to being a true Edolite that believes in the oneness of Edo people, Ize-Iyamu, lawyer and farmer, recalls his days as a student leader in the University of Benin (UNIBEN), and the youth leader of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), actively supporting the late Prof. Ambrose Alli from Esanland of Edo Central, to become governor of old Bendel State (Delta and Edo States) from 1979 to 1983.

    “Similarly, it is common knowledge my role in the election of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole from Etsako, Edo North, in the 2007 and 2012 Governorship elections,” Ize-Iyamu said, with a call for the APC to give the ticket, and opportunity for governor to the best among the aspirants. (Ize-Iyamu’s Campaign Director-General for Oshiomhole’s re-election in 2012.)

    The former Chief of Staff (1999-2003) and Secretary to the State Government (2003-2007) under Governor Lucky Igbinedion (1999-2007), and former National Vice Chairman (South-South) of Action Congess of Nigeria (ACN) – who touts his experience in politics and the workings of government as qualifying him as “the best amongst the APC aspirants” – commends the party for not zoning the governorship to any senatorial district, “as that is the best way for our great party to field its best for the election.”

    “If I’m given the mandate, I promise to faithfully implement my rebrand ‘SIMPLE AGENDA,’” that aims for an even developmental road-map for entire Edo State,” he said.

    The SIMPLE AGENDA, first launched for the 2016 election, and revised for the 2020 poll, focuses on six core areas of governance: Security and social welfare; Infrastructure development and urban renewal; Manpow­er development and training; Public/private partnerships; Leadership by example; and Employment creation and empowerment.

    The APC didn’t zone the governorship to any senatorial district, thus sealing the hopes of Esan people of Edo Central, who’ve agitated for the position over marginalisation in the governance of the state since 1999. The state secretary of the APC, Mr Lawrence Okah, stated this on December 3 when the party received an aspirant, Prince Kassim Afegbua, a former Commissioner for Information, and spokesman to former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

    Fielding questions on expectations of the APC from its numerous aspirants, Mr Okah told journalists that, “What we are looking for is capacity and the ability to deliver, and that is why we said there is no zoning; that is the message.”

    That “message” is more likely to favour Ize-Iyamu, who – apart from being an old warhorse with bankable votes from two previous governorship contests – is from Edo South with the population and voting strength than Edo North and Edo Central combined.

    The APC direct primary election for the governorship scheduled for February 17 – as adopted at an extended Edo State stakeholders meeting with the National Working Committee (NWC) at the national secretariat in Abuja on January 15 – has 29 contenders as of that day, majority from Edo Central, vying for the party ticket, as disclosed at the parley by Senator Oshiomhole –  leader of the party in Edo North and Edo State – who vows APC’s return to power in Edo State in 2024.

    For their political undoing, the APC aspirants in Edo Central are unable to close rank to pick “the best” among them – with many defying a screening that pruned the number to two aspirants of Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor (dubbed a former Governor for 17 months (2007-2008) before he’s sacked by the courts), and Mr Thomas Okosun (former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly).

    Politics isn’t a teaparty or a picnic for every Tayo, Dike, and Hassan – many who can’t win their polling booths in 2024, notwithstanding they’d won council or legislative elections. The Edo governorship is a battle royale of cold calculations of who’s the numbers, and from where those numbers will come for victory on September 21.

    So, getting the party ticket has come down to the brass tacks of capability, capacity, competence, experience, and ability to turn in the numbers on Election Day. These criteria are devoid of emotions and sentiments about marginalisation, or payback for longevity in and loyalty to the party! And that’s where Ize-Iyamu and Edo South come into reckoning, as being in good stead to deliver Edo State from the seemingly fractured ruling PDP under Governor Godwin Obaseki, whose eight-year tenure ends in November 2024!

    The questions for the 30 odd APC aspirants are: Have you the reach, the ground game, and the warchest to turn the tables against an Obaseki-backed PDP aspirant, Dr Asue Ighodalo, a Lagos-based billionaire lawyer-boardroom guru, or campaign-scarred, streetwise Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, also a billionaire, who’s defied Obaseki’s aversion to his ambition?

    Do you’ve the political armament to match the LP duo of Prof. Sunny Eboh Eromosele, billionaire oil and gas magnate, local pathfinder for solutions to technological-innovation problems in oil and gas and aviation sectors, and founder of Mudiame University, Irrua (MUI), and Mr Olumide Akpata, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and a most successful commercial lawyer, who’s donated scores of campaign vehicles to LP offices across Edo State?

    For now, the odds look to favour Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu in the APC at the direct primary poll on February 17. He’s the only aspirant – across all political parties – to’ve confronted Obaseki in 2016 and 2020, even as Obaseki had the power of incumbency behind him on each occasion, and yet sweated to win. Except the calculations reveal otherwise, it’d be a gamble for the APC to overlook Ize-Iyamu for its governorship ticket!

  • Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu full of tricks, Edo won’t fall for their congratulatory letter – Obaseki

    Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu full of tricks, Edo won’t fall for their congratulatory letter – Obaseki

    Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has mocked former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole and his rival Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, over the congratulatory messages sent to him on Monday.

    Obaseki who faulted the congratulatory messages while addressing a large crowd of supporters at the Ring Road in Benin, wondered why they simply sent the messages to him through the internet.

    He noted that if the opposition leaders were really serious about their congratulatory messages, they should have printed them on their letter-headed papers, with their signatures on them, rather than posting it on the internet.

    The event was organized to celebrate his victory at the Supreme Court last Friday.

    According to him, “Edo will never fall for such cheap messages called congratulatory letter. They are not serious. Na today we do election, na today we win? They are full of tricks.

    “The APC in Abuja is being run just like what they did in Edo when they were in power in Edo state.

    “There is problem in Nigeria. The country has money but until we change our mindset that tax payers money must be used to work for the people and not for very few, we have to pray that what happened in Edo will not happen in Abuja.

    “The only party that has the right people for the job is the People’s Democratic Party, come 2023.

    “Forward ever, backward never, Edo must move forward,” he added.

    Oshiomhole and Ize-Iyamu had sent congratulatory messages to Obaseki on Monday, following the Supreme Court judgment on Friday.

  • BREAKING: Court nullifies APC’s Ize-Iyamu, Audu Abudu Ganiyu participation in Edo governorship poll

    BREAKING: Court nullifies APC’s Ize-Iyamu, Audu Abudu Ganiyu participation in Edo governorship poll

    The Edo State High Court on Wednesday nullified the participation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship and deputy governorship candidate; Pastor Ize-Iyamu and Audu Abudu Ganiyu in the September 19 governorship election held in the state.

    The court held that the APC Deputy-Governorship Aspirant Audu Ganiyu Abudu presented false information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in his Form EC9.

    The Court therefore nullified the Candidacy of both candidates.

    The nullification was upon a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on the eligibility of Ize-Iyamu’s running mate, Audu Abudu Ganiyu. The PDP in its claim alleged that Abudu presented false information having purportedly used different names in certificates filed in his Form EC9.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that INEC had formally declared incumbent governor and deputy governor, Godwin Obaseki and Philip Shaibu of the PDP winner of the election.

    More details later…

  • Court strikes out Obaseki’s alleged unlawful nomination suit against Ize-Iyamu

    Court strikes out Obaseki’s alleged unlawful nomination suit against Ize-Iyamu

    The Federal High Court Abuja, on Tuesday, struck out a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s disqualification from the Sept. 19 governorship election in Edo.

    Delivering judgment, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, struck out the suit on grounds that it had become academic.

    The judge also said that he saw no legal benefit that would accrue to the plaintiff if the suit succeeded.

    The PDP had dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Ize-Iyamu to court praying for an order disqualifying Ize-Iyamu from the elections on the grounds that he was unlawfully nominated by APC.

    The PDP alleged that he was unlawfully nominated because APC did not conduct proper primaries to nominate candidates for the Sept. 19 election in Edo.

    The party based its allegation on the grounds that Mr Adams Oshiomohle, who conducted the “purported” primaries that nominated Ize-Iyamu was no longer national chairman of the party and had no right to conduct the primaries.

    The PDP held that the APC, having failed to conduct a valid primary election, was not entitled to participate in the election.
    Objecting to the suit, the APC held that the election had already been conducted and the candidate of the PDP had won the election.

    The APC also submitted that it had not challenged the outcome of the election, neither did it petition the winners at the election petition tribunal.
    On the last adjourned date, Mrs Wendy Kuku, arguing on behalf of INEC, had urged the court to dismiss the suit for lacking in merit.

    Similarly, counsel to the APC, Mr Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, had prayed the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that the suit was tantamount to “Mr A taking panadol for Mr B’s headache’’.

    Ize- Iyamu’s counsel, Roland Otaru (SAN) had also prayed the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that it had become academic since the election had already been conducted and won by Gov. Godwin Obaseki.

  • Alleged money laundering: Ize-Iyamu gets new date in court

    Alleged money laundering: Ize-Iyamu gets new date in court

    Pastor Osagie Ize -Iyamu, the All Progressives Congress candidate in the 19 September election in Edo state has been given a new date by the court to defend his money laundering charge.

    A Federal High Court in Benin, adjourned the case till 14 January 2021.

    The EFCC contends that the money was unlawful.

    The other four defendants are Lucky Imasuen, former deputy governor of Edo State; Chief Dan Orbih, former PDP chairman in Edo State; Tony Aziegbemi and Efe Erimuoghae.

    At today’s sitting, counsel to the first defendant, Charles Edosomwan, SAN, informed the court that he has filed a motion challenging its jurisdiction on the grounds that the charge filed against the defendants are based on election matters.

    According to him, the appropriate court to try electoral matter was the Magistrate Court or High Court of the state.

    The same argument was canvassed by the counsel to the other defendants.

    However, the prosecuting counsel, Francis A.Jirbo countered the argument with the submission that the information before the court is a money laundering charge for which the Federal High Court has exclusive jurisdiction..

    After listening to both counsel, Justice M. G. Umar adjourned the case till January 20, 2021 for ruling.

    Pastor Ize-Iyamu and other defendants were first arraigned before Justice P. I. Ajoku on an eight count charge bordering on money laundering on May 24, 2018.

    The defendants were alleged to have sometime in March 2015 in Benin City directly taken possession of N700 million without any contract award.

    The EFCC said the money was allegedly part of proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: fraud and corruption.

  • Edo election neither free nor fair – Ize-Iyamu

    Edo election neither free nor fair – Ize-Iyamu

    Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded Edo governorship election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu has said contrary to ‘orchestrated media reports’, the election wasn’t free and fair.

    Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday, September 20, declared incumbent governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Godwin Obaseki as winner of the September 19 poll.

    The Gov. Mai Mala Buni led national caretaker committee of the APC has congratulated Obaseki and also urged Ize-Iyamu to do so to allow the party focus on forthcoming governorship election in Ondo.

    Ize-Iyamu has after the election said he was studying the results of the election and would make his decision known soonest.

    In what appears to his first official statement on the election since its conclusion two weeks, ago, Ize-Iyamu cited instances of violence, voter intimidation and falsification of election results in some parts of the state. He also two persons were killed during the pull.

    The clergyman also did not rule out challenging outcome of the election in court.

    Read full statement below:

    Press Statement by Pastor Dr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu Esq.

    My dear people of Edo State. I send you warm felicitations as always.

    You will all recall that the election process to determine who occupies the office of Governor of Edo State for the next 4 years began officially in June this year, with the unveiling of the Election Timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    To the glory of God Almighty, the election held on 19th September, 2020 with the outcome later announced by INEC. We thank God Almighty for the relatively peaceful nature of the voting process in most parts of the state.

    Contrary to orchestrated media reports, the election was neither free nor fair. There were several episodes of violence, voter intimidation and falsification of results. In particular, there were unlawful cancellations of results particularly from Urhonigbe South and North in Orhiomwon, while results were falsified from many polling units in Ofunama in Ovia South West, and in parts of Ovia North East, Owan West, Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Esan North East, Esan West, Esan South East, and Uhunmwode Local Government Areas.

    Sadly, two persons were killed during the election, while gun-wielding thugs took over collation centres in many locations without the intervention of law-enforcement agents. There were also several cases of malfunctioning card readers, which disenfranchised duly registered voters, in addition to many cases of unregistered voters voting with pre-purchased voters’ cards not collected by their actual owners.

    These malpractices could easily form the basis to challenge the election results. We have however decided not to commence an election petition. This is to avoid further tension in the state. We are also mindful that the leadership of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and many well-placed individuals have made pronouncements endorsing the process, which we have chosen to respect.

    Nonetheless, we must emphasize that elections are far more than actual voting, just as democracy includes more than just elections. It is in this light that we draw attention to the fact that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its flagbearers have continued to pursue several pre-election suits in various courts against us, all totalling 13. One of such cases came up in the High Court, Benin on 2nd October, 2020, days after the election.

    On our part, we had filed two pre-election cases against the PDP and its flagbearer challenging their eligibility to contest the election. These are all lawful and integral parts of the electoral process in any democracy, which we must all respect and acknowledge as genuine democrats.

    The outcome of these pending cases have direct effect on the election. Consequently, we have decided to continue with our pre-election cases in full exercise of our legal rights, just as our opponents have considered it their prerogative to also continue with their pre-election cases against us.

    Let me once again wholeheartedly thank the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Mohammadu Buhari GCFR, for his statesmanship and support throughout the election campaign. We thank the National leadership of our party led by HE Mai Mala Buni, Governor of Yobe state, our National Campaign Council led by HE Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Governor of Kano State, APC Governors, leaders and members of the National Assembly and other leaders of our party at both national and state levels for their immense contributions.

    We also sincerely thank His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Aliru Momoh, Ikelebe III, and all our other Royal Fathers, for their unceasing prayers for the peace of the state before, during and after the elections.

    We thank our religious leaders for their prayers and intercessions throughout the campaign and even thereafter.

    We commend the good people of Edo State for their peaceful conduct despite the hostile and provocative actions of state officials, which have remained unabated. We urge everyone to remain law-abiding, as responsible citizens.

    We specially thank our innumerable supporters for their steadfast support and tremendous show of love, and likewise urge them to remain calm while keeping faith alive for a better Edo State which we shall all be proud of.

    Let me conclude by noting that our cause to uplift our state using the democratic system is a noble mission from which we SHALL NEVER waver. As law-abiding citizens, we must all continue to believe in the electoral process as an important part of the democratic system, as it remains the best method of choosing who leads the people, devoid of violence and avoidable acrimony.

    Long live Edo State.

    Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Pastor Dr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu Esq.

  • Edo 2020: Buhari, APC throw Ize-Iyamu under bus, By Ehichioya Ezomon

    Edo 2020: Buhari, APC throw Ize-Iyamu under bus, By Ehichioya Ezomon

    By Ehichioya Ezomon
    Writing in the PUNCH of Tuesday, September 22, 2020, Azuka Onwuka posed a probing question: “What will the Supreme Court say?” This is in respect of the governorship poll held in Edo State, which returned incumbent Godwin Obaseki.
    Onwuka, tracing how the Judiciary has become the “endorser” of elections, noted that: “Even though Obaseki has been declared the winner of the Edo State election, everyone should not take it for granted that he will be the governor… for the next four years.”
    “The Supreme Court has to endorse the result released by INEC for it to stand, unless Obaseki’s opponents decide not to challenge the result in court.”
    Well, the poll result isn’t likely to be endorsed by the apex court, as the losing All Progressives Congress (APC) strives to close the window on itself and its candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
    Ize-Iyamu is reportedly under pressure, not from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that fielded Obaseki at the poll, but from the leadership of the APC, to back off from such a prospect.
    There’s no precedent to recall for what occurred in the past weeks: That the hierarchy of the party that lost an election would lead in commending its defeat and that of its candidate.
    This is the uncharted stand of Nigeria’s ruling APC that lost the governorship poll to the opposition PDP, which’s become the ruling platform in Edo State since mid 2020.
    The election had pitched Obaseki against Ize-Iyamu, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaring Obaseki winner with 307,955 votes to Ize-Iyamu’s 223,619 votes.
    But as the Edo chapter of the APC rejected the INEC declaration over alleged fraudulent practices, President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated Obaseki, for winning the poll “fair and square.”
    Days later, the national headquarters of the APC aligned itself with Buhari’s position, and congratulated Obaseki and the PDP for their deserved victory against the APC and its candidate.
    Some governors of the APC also felicitated with Obaseki who, until June 2020, was a member of the party, but had to decamp to the PDP when he’s disqualified from the APC primaries.
    To complete the seeming choreographed action against his platform, Buhari played host to Governor-elect Obaseki and Deputy Governor-elect Philip Shaibu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
    At the rendezvous, Buhari, on a very serious matter, jokingly said: “I thank you (Obaseki) for bringing your deputy and supporters to come and see me after beating my party.”
    Buhari said his commitment to deepening Nigeria’s political culture informed his instruction to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, “that elections must be free and fair.”
    Nobody can fault Buhari’s propagation of free and fair elections. Hence, his “instruction” to the IGP would mean to put a stop to the shenanigans of the security agencies during elections.
    Yet, why the “special interest” in the Edo poll? And why the rush by the president, the APC Caretaker Committee and governors to concede defeat, and “pressure” Ize-Iyamu to accept same?
    Was the poll really the “people’s voice against godfatherism” – a reference to alleged antics of former National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who’s Obaseki’s godfather in 2016?
    Hours after the election, the Edo APC claimed it wasn’t free and fair. Chairman of the Media Campaign Council, Mr John Maiyaki, alleged that the party’s votes were falsified to advantage the PDP.
    Maiyaki’s words: “Our people were arbitrarily arrested, many of the figures were fabricated. There was illicit tampering with results, to shore up PDP’s numbers and mark down APC’s.
    “Areas where we won, they cancelled the results. They decreased the votes in areas we had advantage. They rejected our results and jerked up theirs.
    “There was arbitrary arrest of local party members, who could have resisted the outrage, while Obaseki was busy diverting attention with false alarm… from the evil going on in the field.”
    These are weighty allegations, including result on social media purporting the APC’s leading in the poll from votes secured at the polling units before the results were uploaded to the INEC portal.
    Which raises fundamental posers: Are the uploaded results the same as those declared in the presence of party agents, voters, security operatives and election observers? Who but the INEC officials know the “actual” results fed onto the dedicated portal? Couldn’t the electoral officials, while uploading the results, change the figures, as declared publicly?
    Nonetheless, the deputy chairman of the APC Campaign Council and governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, corroborated the alleged poll fraud on September 19, and vowed that the party would seek remedy in the courts.
    Commenting on the result on his twitter handle @pastorizeiyamu, Ize-Iyamu said: “I thank and appreciate my supporters, who had to endure many evils, including being prevented from voting, for their support and determination during the election.
    “I assure you all that I am studying the results, along with other party members, and will announce my next move soon,” which he hasn’t done even after meeting with APC’s Caretaker Committee in Abuja, and denying he’s under pressure to concede defeat.
    But how would polity watchers categorize Buhari, the APC and its governors’ admission of defeat, and rejoicing with the “winner” of Edo 2020 other than “pressure” on Ize-Iyamu, to undercut hints of testing the outcome of the poll in court?
    It’s understandable for the APC leadership to want to bury the “ghost” of Comrade Oshiomhole, who the party heavyweights have blamed for APC’s crises and electoral losses since 2019.
    Oshiomhole, sacked from his chair by a combined effort of some APC governors, including Obaseki then, and the party leadership, defied all odds, and campaigned for Ize-Iyamu at the Edo poll.
    Perhaps to halt the momentum of the Ize-Iyamu-Ganiyu Audu campaign, the APC apparatchik aborted its final Mega Rally on September 17, even when governors of the APC Campaign Council were in Benin City. Who ordered the brakes pulled on the rally?
    So, it’s no surprise the APC has rebuffed Ize-Iyamu, who spotted malpractice at the poll, and accepted the outcome – a move the PDP wouldn’t have contemplated if it’s the “losing” party.
    PDP’s playbook is: Every poll must be won, and any contest that doesn’t go its way should be denounced as rigged. (Watch out: PDP will raise hell if defeated in Ondo 2020 on Saturday, October 10).
    Yet, they’re the master riggers of “do-or-die affair” in elections since 2003, deploying political “Garrison Commanders” in the 36 states and Abuja, under a national leader aliased, “Mr Fix It”.
    Then, Nigerians were told: “There is no vacancy in Aso Rock” and “No vacancy in Government House” of PDP states. And the party would gladly ask any “captured” opposition state to “go to court.”
    The APC action more than meets the eye, as it doesn’t mind, because of Oshiomhole, to gift its votes to PDP, which would’ve sought “foreign intervention” to reclaim its “stolen mandate.”
    Rather than cheerleading to prevent the aggrieved from taking further steps on the Edo poll, the APC should, at least, allow the PDP to ask Ize-Iyamu, who wears the shoe, to “go to court.”
    By the way, didn’t Buhari ventilate his three consecutive losses of presidential election in the courts, up to the Supreme Court, in 2003, 2007 and 2011? Did anybody stop him from doing so?
    What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. Instead of throwing him under the bus, the APC should encourage, and assist Ize-Iyamu to prove his fraudulent poll claims at the tribunal.
    * Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.
  • Edo poll: Ize-Iyamu returns to church, holds special thanksgiving for ‘successful election’ [Photo]

    Edo poll: Ize-Iyamu returns to church, holds special thanksgiving for ‘successful election’ [Photo]

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has celebrated the successful conclusion of the 19 September governorship election and dismissed notions that he was downcast for not being declared the winner.

    He said this at a Special Thanksgiving Service held in his Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Soul Winners Assembly, in Benin City on Sunday.

    He said he chose to express gratitude to God for the exercise, as well as immensely thank supporters and those who assisted him.

    As he said God expects Man to offer him praises in all situations.

    The APC Governorship Candidate, whose sermon was titled “Utilising Opportunities”, said every opportunity must be seized to achieve an aim.

    On the outcome of the Election, Pastor Ize-Iyamu noted that defeat is an imagined state, and that since the exercise he had not felt defeated.

    Furthermore, he admonished his supporters not to allow the seed of defeat germinate amongst them, as God has decreed that all the “Earth is theirs”.

    The minister additionally encouraged his members to heed God’s caution in Thessalonians 5:16-18 that true believers do not “give away to grief’, ‘rejoice evermore’ and ‘pray without ceasing’ as he (God) only can determine the future.”

    The Edo State Regional Pastor of the RCCG, Professor Dele Balogun, also urged supporters of Pastor Ize-Iyamu not to lose focus as God may allow them to lose a battle and later win the war to test their faith.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Sunday, September 20 declared incumbent governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Godwin Obaseki as winner of the poll. This is the second time Obaseki is defeating Ize-Iyamu in a governorship contest in the state. He earlier did in 2016 when Obaseki contested under APC and Ize-Iyamu under PDP.
  • Edo poll: Why I snubbed Ize-Iyamu, APC during campaigns – Oyegun

    Edo poll: Why I snubbed Ize-Iyamu, APC during campaigns – Oyegun

    A former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has explained why he didn’t campaign for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Edo governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu in the just-concluded contest.

    Ize-Iyamu lost to Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with many APC chieftains, including Odigie-Iyamu, believed to have worked against him.

    He said he stayed away despite being a member of the National Campaign Council because he never wanted to be part of ‘illegality’.

    He spoke with reporters at his Benin residence.

    The ex-Edo Governor said: “I am a man of conscience. I am a strong believer in justice and fair play.

    “I am a strong believer that, when the rules of an association you belong have been so flagrantly disregarded, put aside and not complied with, then you have to go back to your conscience to say, can I support what has happened? Can I not support what has happened? I cannot support injustice.

    “Your loyalty in life should be what is right, that is principle. Every human being must live for something. If you are ready to kill a man you know did not commit a crime, then something is wrong with you.

    “Even in the family, if a family member commits a crime, he has to agree that he has committed the crime. When you start shouting no, he has done nothing wrong, then something is wrong with you. So, it was a basic issue of principle, it is a basic issue of conscience.”