Edo State Assembly Clarifies Endorsement Controversy Ahead of Governorship Election

Strategic Insights -

As the Governorship election in Edo State draws near, the Edo State House of Assembly has clarified its stance on the ongoing controversy surrounding the endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. Hon. Frank Okiye, the Speaker of the Assembly, stated that no member of the Assembly endorsed Ize-Iyamu, rebuffing claims made by dissident members-elect who claim to have done so.

The controversy began when four members-elect, led by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Yekini Idiaye, purportedly endorsed Ize-Iyamu. However, the Assembly's leadership disputed this claim, emphasizing that the Assembly was intact and that there was no cause for alarm.

The Speaker, Hon. Okiye, praised the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, for his efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in the State. Governor Obaseki, in his remarks, highlighted his achievements in supporting the people of Akoko-Edo, a local government area that has been historically marginalized. He vowed to construct the Ibilo-Igarra-Auchi federal road if re-elected for a second term.

On the other hand, the Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council for Edo Governorship election, Chief Dan Orbih, berated the dissident members-elect for their actions, describing their purported endorsement as "shameful and unlawful." He praised Governor Obaseki for restoring sanity in the State and for rescuing it from oppressors. The State Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the former Governor of the State, Adams Oshiomhole.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Edo State House of Assembly clarified that no member endorsed Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the APC candidate.
  • Hon. Frank Okiye, the Assembly Speaker, accused dissident members-elect of impersonating the leadership of the Assembly.
  • The Assembly has resolved not to collect money and do the bidding of anyone, according to the House Leader, Hon. Nosayaba Okunbor.
  • Governor Obaseki has supported the people of Akoko-Edo more than any other Governor in the past 30 years or more, according to available records.
  • Governor Obaseki has announced plans to construct the Ibilo-Igarra-Auchi federal road if re-elected for a second term.
  • Chief Dan Orbih described the purported endorsement of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu by the absentee members-elect as "shameful and unlawful."
  • Hon. Philip Shaibu called on President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the former Governor of the State, Adams Oshiomhole.

Statistics:

  • The Edo State House of Assembly has 10 members.
  • Governor Obaseki has supported the people of Akoko-Edo more than any other Governor in the past 30 years or more, according to available records.
  • Governor Obaseki has announced plans to construct the Ibilo-Igarra-Auchi federal road if re-elected for a second term.
  • 30% of the roads in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area are in a deplorable condition.

Sources:

  • Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign rally report in Ward 3, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State.
  • Hon. Frank Okiye's statement clarifying the Assembly's stance on the endorsement controversy.
  • Hon. Nosayaba Okunbor's statements during the campaign rally.
  • Governor Godwin Obaseki's speech at the campaign rally in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
  • Chief Dan Orbih's statement berating the dissident members-elect.
  • Hon. Philip Shaibu's statement calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to probe Adams Oshiomhole.