From Moshood Olawale Karim
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, on Wednesday in Benin City, officially announced his intention to contest the forthcoming Edo gubernatorial election on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
He was accompanied by a large crowd of supporters as he addressed the voting public and party stakeholders, highlighting his qualifications and intentions.
Ize-Iyamu, who was the APC gubernatorial candidate in the last election, lamented that the party lost the election not because of his quality as the candidate but due to the actions of party leaders outside the State who voted against the party’s interest.
“We lost that election because our leaders outside the State chose to vote against us”.
He emphasized his experience as a former Secretary to the State government and a previous gubernatorial candidate of the party, stating that he possesses the required experience to be governor.
Speaking to the crowd, he promised to ensure the development of the eighteen local governments of the State if given the party ticket at the primary and eventually elected as the governor of Edo State.
He stressed the need for people to vote for a politician like him who understands the needs of the people and not an outsider.
Ize-Iyamu questioned the present administration’s claim of infrastructural development, pointing out that in Orhionmwon Local Government, where he hails from, there is no Automated Teller Machine (ATM), let alone a bank and other social amenities like pipe borne water and electricity.
He accused the present administration of selective development of the State, stating that the only visible projects by the present administration can only be found in Benin City.
He explained to supporters and party members that if given the mandate, he would run an all-inclusive government that would address the various issues facing the State.
He promised to be different from other politicians who only rule for four or eight years and relocate to Abuja or Lagos.
He stated that he has a SIMPLE Political Agenda published in 2016, which he has submitted to the party leaders. In due time, he said he would print more copies to make it available to everyone. According to him, the acronym ‘SIMPLE’ stands for Security, Infrastructure Development, Manpower Development, Public/Private Partnership, Leadership by example and Employment creation.
“I am not like other politicians who will rule for four or eight years and relocate to Abuja or Lagos. I have a SIMPLE Political Agenda published in 2016 which I have submitted to party leaders. In due time, I will print more copies to make it available to everyone.” He urged the party to work together to secure victory in the coming election.
The Deputy State Chairman of the party, Jarret Tenebe in his remark, stated that the party will nominate any of the aspirants who has the people. He said the Party doesn’t support zoning but needs aspirant that will win the election.
“…And when we have one of the aspirants that has the people, that is the people, then he will definitely emerge. And I know that all of the aspirants, irrespective of where the person come from, whether it’s north, whether it’s central, whether it’s south, he will be embraced by everybody. Because what the party wants to achieve is somebody who will be able to win elections for us this time. That is the reason why the party exists. I want to pray for my leader. I want to pray for you to be nominated.” He told Ize-Iyamu
