Groups consolidate in Edo to back Ize-Iyamu

Special interest groups on Thursday met in Benin City and agreed to back Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his bid to topple Governor Godwin Obaseki at the September 19 gubernatorial election.
The groups, from the three senatorial districts, said their decision to back Ize-Iyamu and come together as one was in the best interest of the State.
They said Obaseki had been administering the state on the basis of “propaganda and deceit”, declaring that the Governor had no intention of moving the State forward.
The groups met in the campaign office of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Chairman of Edo Youths for Sustainable Democracy (EYSD), Comrade Otoide Ighodaro called on Edo electorate to give Pastor Ize-Iyamu a chance to move the state forward.
According to him, “On September 19th, we have the opportunity to make our voices heard and ensure that the person we elect to govern us shares our commitment to excellent educational reforms, massive job employment and reopening of the State economy.”
He stated that “Only Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has the key to re-engineer Edo State to greatness.”
Another leader of a youth group, POI invaders, Comrade Jude Igbinoba said that Obaseki had no single project to campaign with.
Igbinoba stated: “Ovia South West has nothing to show for their support in voting for Godwin Obaseki. The Edo State College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi has been under lock and key, thereby denying the community the benefits of hosting a tertiary institution.
“The College of Education, Ekiadolor, is still under lock and key with all the staff owed over 11 months salaries.
“Obaseki’s government only empowers people from Lagos to the detriment of local entrepreneurs.
“Governor Obaseki gives appointment with no portfolio to Edo residents and the same time appoints people from Lagos as SAs with full portfolios and even official cars.
“Obaseki has shown that he has no single interest for the Edo Nation and should be shown the way back to Lagos.
“Obaseki has failed in his promises to turn around the agricultural sector in the State; the Edo Agripreneur Programme is a complete charade.
“Obaseki has no personal project of his own. He is only rehabilitating the projects Oshiomhole did.
“The Health care sector is in a total mess. Health workers are owed and not paid as and when due, the latest being the COVID-19 frontline health workers.
“All his promises he made towards the provision of primary schools, health centres and skills acquisition have not been met.
“We have decided today to kick-start a mosquito campaign to reach out to the grassroots on why Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu should be elected as the next Edo State Governor.
“Lastly, we shall organize a farewell party for Godwin Obaseki and the party would be hosted at Dennis Osadebe Avenue.”