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Tag: Osagie Ize-Iyamu

  • BREAKING: Buhari hands over APC flag to Ize-Iyamu [PHOTOS]

    BREAKING: Buhari hands over APC flag to Ize-Iyamu [PHOTOS]

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) met behind closed doors with Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Edo State gubernatorial election.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ize-Iyamu, who was led to the meeting by the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, who is the chairman of APC Caretaker Committee, was handed a flag of the APC flag by the President.

    Governors Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi also accompanied the APC candidate to the villa.

    However, it was observed that the immediate past National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who is also from Edo, was conspicuously absent at the meeting.

     

    Details later…

  • APC guber candidate appears in court for alleged N700m fraud

    APC guber candidate appears in court for alleged N700m fraud

    The Federal High Court sitting in Benin on Tuesday adjourned the trial of the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Sept. 19 Edo Governorship Election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and four others until Oct 15.

    Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the case to enable the counsels to file reply to the pending motions challenging the jurisdiction of the court to try the case.

    The other defendants in the case include Chief Dan Orbih, estwhile State chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the state Chairman of the party, Tony Aziegbemi, former Deputy Governor of Edo, Mr Lucky Imasuen, and Efe Erimuoghae-Anthony.

    The defendants are being tried on charges bordering on alleged N700 million money laundering case filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Although Justice Umar had, on Thursday, June 18, validated the corruption charges against the defendants whose case had suffered set back on July 7 following the inability of Ize-Iyamu to appear in court because of his ill health.

    At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Ize-Iyamu arrived the court as early as 8:30 am., while his lawyer, Mr Charles Edosomwan (SAN), objected to the EFCC’s Counsel, Mr Ahmed Imoovba’s request to continue with the case when the pending motions before the court were yet to be heard.

    Edosomwan prayed the court to grant the defendants seven day’s extension of time to react to the EFCC’s motion on point of law in line with the rules of the court.

    Imoovba and counsels to the other defendants did not oppose Edosomwan’s application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

    Similarly, Imoovba, in his own separate motion, sought for extension of time to file his reply to Edosomwan’s objection.

    Justice Umar, after listening to the submissions of both counsels, ruled that he had given all the parties seven days within which to file all relevant documents to court before commencement of its vacation on July 27.

    Justice Umar adjourned the case until Oct. 15 for further hearing.

    Recall that the EFCC, in Suit No. FHC/BE21C/ 2016, had filed an eight-count charge against the defendants over alleged illegal receipt of public funds to the tune of N700 million for the purpose of the 2015 general election.

    The EFCC further accused the defendants of conspiring among themselves to commit the offence in March 2015, alleging that they took possession and control of the funds without any contract awarded.

  • Edo: APC House of Reps caucus throws weight behind Ize-Iyamu

    Edo: APC House of Reps caucus throws weight behind Ize-Iyamu

    The Edo All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in the House of Representatives, has endorsed Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu, as their candidate, ahead of the June 22 governorship primaries of the party in the state.

    In a joint statement by the six APC members: Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (Owan Federal Constituency), Mr Johnson Oghuma (Etsako Federal Constituency), among others, they said that the resolution was taken after an extensive consultation across the state.

    According to the statement, the lawmakers also expressed their support on the method the leadership of the party had adopted for the governorship primaries.

    The statement reads: “As members of the party, we hereby restate our full support for the method the party has chosen as their preferred method, for the forthcoming primaries in Edo.

    “In reaching this conclusion, we considered safety, security and logistics reasons as well as political inclusiveness and compliance to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines and regulations.’’

    The lawmakers commended the party men and women for their resilience and support.

    NAN reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) had announced Sept. 19, as the date for the Edo governorship polls.

  • APC primary election: 6 aspirants for Edo Governorship screening

    …Aspirant credentials to be displayed for claims and objections

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced six Governorship aspirants to be screened for the party’s June 22, 2020 primary election to elect the party’s Edo State Governorship candidate.

    The six aspirants who have bought, completed and submitted the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms are Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, H.E. Godwin Obaseki, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pius Odubu, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, Hon. Osaro Obazee and Hon. Matthew Aigbuhuenze Iduoriyekemwen.

    “In our bid to ensure due diligence and transparency in the screening exercise and learning from our recent shocking experiences, we are determined to avoid any lapses in the process. Therefore, we are making the submitted information and documents of the governorship aspirants available to our party members and the public for verification of claims and to support the screening panel with information or any objection to the claims contained in the submission by the aspirants.

    “Consequently, the various submissions will be displayed at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja and in Benin City, the Edo State capital from Monday 8th to Tuesday 9th June, 2020 for claims and objections.

    “We are inviting party members and indeed members of the public to assist the screening committee by scrutinizing the information, credentials and documents provided by the governorship aspirants and availing the Screening Committee of counter and correct information, if applicable.

    “Recall that in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, APC had earlier released its time table and schedule of activities for the conduct of the 2020 Governorship Primary Elections in Edo States.

    “Accordingly, sales of nomination and expression of interest forms began at the APC National Secretariat from Wednesday 20th May to Tuesday 2nd June, 2020.

    “The last day for submission of completed forms and accompanying documents was
    Wednesday 3rd June, 2020.

    “As earlier stated, publication of claims and objections will be from Monday 8th to Tuesday 9th June, 2020.

    “Screening of aspirants has been slated for Wednesday 10th to Thursday 11th June, 2020.

    “This will be followed by Screening Appeal which will hold on Friday 12th June, 2020.

    “The Primary Election will hold on Monday 22nd June, 2020, while Election Appeal has been slated for Wednesday 24th June, 2020,” a statement signed by Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, National Publicity Secretary of the party read.

  • Edo 2020: Why Obaseki wants Court to stop Pastor Ize-Iyamu

    More facts have emerged why embattled Governor Godwin Obaseki went to court to stop Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu from participating in the scheduled June 22 Edo All Progressives Congress APC primaries.

    See it below:

    The Suit #HAB/05/1/2, is between Pastor Kenneth Asekhomhe(suing for himself and on behalf of members the Executive Committee of the Edo state chapter of the APC, save those who may expressly dissociate themselves), Mr Benjamin Oghumu, (suing for himself and on behalf of members the Executive Committee of the Orhionmwon LGA chapter of the APC, save those who may expressly dissociate themselves); Mr Matthew Ogbebor and Mr Unweni, (suing for himself and on behalf of members the Executive Committee of the the Edo state chapter of the Ugboko ward 5 of the Orhionmwon LGA chapter of the APC, save those who may expressly dissociate themselves), as claimants and the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (sued for himself and on behalf of members of the National Working Committee of the APC), and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, as respondents.

    In the originating summons the claimants through Mr Ken Mozia,SAN, who is their attorney, are asking the court to determine the following questions:

    1. Whether article 31(2) of the APC Constitution is not in conflict with Section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution as amended as it relates to the qualification for elected to the office of a Governor of a state.

    2. Whether having regards to the provisions of section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution, the APC can validly grant a waiver to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to make him eligible to contest in the party primaries.

    3. Whether having regard to the provisions of Articles 31(2) and Articles 31(3)(ii) of the APC Constitution, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (and the NWC) can grant a waiver to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu without the approval of the NEC of the APC and without Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu formally applying for such a waiver through his ward, LGA, State and Zonal Committee of the APC.

    4. Whether a waiver purportedly granted by the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (and the NWC) to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu on or about 21-5-20 or any other date in gross violations of Section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 31(2) and Article 31(3) of the extant 2014 amended Constitution of the APC is not null, void and of no effect.

    And if questions 1-4 are answered in the negative and resolved in favor of the claimants, the claimants seek the following reliefs from the court:

    1. A declaration that Article 31(2) of the APC Constitution as amended is in conflict with section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution as it relates to the qualification for election to the office of a Governor of a state and is therefore null and void.

    2. A declaration that having regards to section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution the APC cannot validly grant a waiver to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to make him eligible to contest the APC primary elections with a view to nominating him as it’s candidate to contest the 2020 governorship elections of Edo state.

    Alternatively,
    3. A declaration that the NWC of the APC cannot grant any waiver to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to make him eligible to contest the primary elections to select the APC candidate without approval of the APC NEC.

    4. A declaration that having regards to the provisions of Articles 31(2) and 31(3)(ii) of thee APC Constitution Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (and the APC NWC) cannot validly grant a waiver to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu without the approval of the APC NEC and without Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu formally applying for such waiver through his claimed ward, LGA, state and zonal committees of the APC.

    5. A declaration that any waiver purportedly granted by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (and the APC NWC) on 21-5-20 or any other date in gross violation of section 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution and Articles 31(2) and Articles 31(3)(ii) of the extant amended 2014 APC Constitution is null, void and of no effect.

    6. A declaration that the waiver purportedly

  • Obaseki’s ploy to stop Ize-Iyamu fails again as High Court adjourns sitting

    Obaseki’s ploy to stop Ize-Iyamu fails again as High Court adjourns sitting

    Embattled Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State ploy to stop his top contender, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu on Thursday kissed the dust again following the adjournment of sitting on his frivolous motion requesting the restraining of the APC from conducting its primary and screening Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu by the High Court in Benin City.

    The embattled governor caused tension in the state today with the blockage mounted by his thugs and other security officials meant to bar journalists from gaining entrance into the court premises, an action said to be meant to intimidate the members of the judiciary into granting him a favorable order.

    This however failed like his previous attempts when the High Court adjourned sitting until June 17. Godwin Obaseki is challenging the membership of Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu in the All Progressives Congress, a concern that has been dismissed by the leadership of the party at the state and national level.

    The governor, aware of his unpopularity and likely defeat to Pastor Ize-Iyamu at the party’s internal primary set for June 22, is desperate to use the courts, and other organs of state, to rig the process in his favor.

    This particular case was moved to the High Court in Benin City after it was discovered that Justice Vestie Eboriem of the Abudu High Court where it was initially lodged had allegedly met and obtained inducement from Barrister Osarodion Ogie, the SSG, to try the case secretly and grant an ex-parte order that would have prevented the primary from holding.

  • Rumble in Edo as Obaseki orders security operatives to bar journalists from court sitting

    ….as Governor seeks injunction against Pastor Ize-Iyamu
    ….Channels TV, AIT others barred
    ….EBS gets pass for coverage

    Rumble in Benin City, the Edo State Capital as Governor Godwin Obaseki bar journalists from covering court proceedings.

    This is sequel to blockage of Sapale road and other axis leading to the High Court by thugs suspected to be loyal to Governor Obaseki over the hearing of a case bordering on the membership of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu in the All Progressives Congress.

    The thugs, working in collaboration with security officials including the Police, NSCDC, and Mobile Policemen, are also mounting a barricade at the entrance of the court, denying entrance to members of the press.

    The court case was initially lodged at the Abudu High Court where Justice Vestie Eboreime, suspected to be induced by members of the Obaseki-administration, attempted to secretly issue an ex-parte order restraining the All Progressives Congress from screening Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu and conducting its primary election.

    However, a loud outcry over her complicit relationship with members of Obaseki-administration, particularly Barrister Osarodion Ogie, the Secretary to the State Government, and a petition to the Chief Judge of the state, caused a re-assignment of the case reportedly to the High Court in Benin where a suspicious secret hearing is being planned for this morning.

    Journalists around the court vicinity are protesting their exclusion, noting that even court cases involving the presidential election were made open to the press for transparency and fair reporting of proceedings.

    Except for the state owned electronic media, Edo Broadcasting Television, others including Channels television, Africa Independent Television were denied access for coverage.

  • Edo: Ize-Iyamu submits nomination form ahead of APC governorship primary

    Edo: Ize-Iyamu submits nomination form ahead of APC governorship primary

    A leading governorship aspirant in Edo, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has submitted his nomination form to the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, ahead of the party’s governorship primary on June 22.
    This is contained in a statement signed by Mr John Mayaki, Director of Communication and Media, Ize-Iyamu Campaign Organisation, and made available on Friday in Benin.
    “Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has submitted his form earlier today at the party headquarter in Abuja and was accompanied by the Secretary, Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, Engr. Lawrence Okah.
    “It is another attestation to the fact that Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is ready for the party primary where members of the APC in Edo state will get to decide who will fly the party’s flag in the governorship election.”
    NAN recalls that Ize-Iyamu, who was earlier endorsed by other aspirants, will face incumbent Gov. Godwin Obaseki for the party’s governorship ticket during the June 22 primaries.

  • N700m fraud: EFCC arraigns Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, 4 others

    A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City has adjourned to June 11, 2018 for the arraignment of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the last gubernatorial election in Edo state.

    Four others to be arraigned alongside are: Lucky Imasuen, former deputy governor of Edo State; Chief Dan Orbih, PDP chairman in Edo State; Tony Azigbemi and Efe Erimuoghae Anthony.

    The quintet were said to have conspired among themselves to committ an offence contrary to the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

    During court proceedings today, May 16, 2018, the arraignment of the defendants could not hold because of the failure of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Chief Dan Orbih to appear in court in person.

    Counsel to Dan Orbih, Chief Ferdinard O. Orbih, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, told the court that his client was outside the shores of Nigeria attending to his health needs. .

    He further told the court that it was out of respect his client had for the court that he instructed him to be in court and that his client would be available at the next court sitting. .

    The same argument was canvassed by Ikhide Ehighelua, counsel to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who told the court that his client was out of the country attending to his health. .

    The EFCC is seeking to prosecute the five top PDP members in Edo State over their alleged role in the N700 million they purportedly received prior to the 2015 general election.