News
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!
Mr Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria
News
CUPP lampoon Reps over move to investigate Ugochinyere, others for visit to Fubara

**Calls for reversal of the ill-informed Move by the House of reps
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has Condemned the attempt by the House of Representatives to refer Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and other members to the Committee On Ethics for probe over their Solidarity Visit to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Fifty members of the House of Representatives hadq paid a solidarity visit to the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to celebrate his one year in office.
The lawmakers, who consist of members of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), Labour Party ( LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party ( NNPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) also include the spokesman of opposition coalition, in the House, Ikenga Ugochinyere..
Ugochinyere had explained on the sideline of the thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt that federal lawmakers were in Rivers to solidarilize with Fubara and celebrate with him on his one year of transformational leadership.
But the House had referred the Honourable members to the Committee on Ethics for disciplinary action over their visit
However, the chairman,
Media Committee of the
Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) Chief Barr. Chukwudi Ezeobika in a statement has tackled the leadership of the House for the action which he said clearly cast doubt on its integrity in the observance and or adherence to the laws which they enact/promulgate.
“Relying on the point of order/ privilege raised by Yusuf Gagdi of the All Progressives Congress, Plateau State to arrive at such decision is erroneous and grossly misleading.
“The House, by this very action, has impugned on the integrity and sacredness of Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) especially Sections 39 and 40 which guarantee Freedom of Expression and the Press as well as that of Peaceful Assembly and Association respectively.
“We, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), hereby call on the leadership of the House of Representatives to, without further delay retract its ongoing steps in the purported probe of these Honourable members by its Ethics Committee and not engage in any act that may violate the fundamental rights of its members or any member of the public.
News
Kano Police counter reports that Emir Bayero will lead Jumma’t prayer

the Kano State Police Command has countered reports that Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero will lead Jumma’t Prayers at Kofar Kudu Central Mosque, Kano, where Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, Emir of Kano, leading prayer at the moment.
The reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, have been laying claim to the throne, creating confusion in the city.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had dethroned Ado Bayero and asked him to hand over within 48 hours.
But the dethroned monarch in defiance returned to the town under military protection and has been operating from the mini palace since then.
In a statement by Abdullahi Kiyawa, spokesman of Kano Police Command, said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc further assured that all necessary security arrangements have been made for Alhaji Aminu Bayero to observe his Jummah Prayers in the Mosque where he lives at the Nasarawa Palace.
“The CP also assured that the Police and all other state security agencies will provide adequate security at the Palace where Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is expected to observe his Jumma’at Prayers.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore the false reports and misinformation circulating on social media and to go about their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation assuring that the Police will continue to provide the necessary security for ensuring that residents observe their Friday congressional prayers peacefully and without threats to their lives and property.”
The emirate tussle has continued to linger since the reinstatement of Sanusi and dissolution of the five emirates.
There have been cnflicting court orders for and against
Based on the conflicting orders, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola, had summoned the head of the Federal High high Court and Kano Chief Judge.
The Police statement reads,
KANO STATE POLICE COMMAND
31ST MAY, 2024
The Kano State Police Command is hereby advising all residents to disregard the false information circulating on social media that Emir Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero will lead Jumma’t Prayers at Kofar Kudu Central Mosque, Kano.
2. The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc further assured that all necessary security arrangements have been made for Alhaji Aminu Bayero to observe his Jummah Prayers in the Mosque where he lives at the Nasarawa Palace.
3. The CP also assured that the Police and all other state security agencies will provide adequate security at the Palace where Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is expected to observe his Jumma’at Prayers.
4. Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore the false reports and misinformation circulating on social media and to go about their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation assuring that the Police will continue to provide the necessary security for ensuring that residents observe their Friday congressional prayers peacefully and without threats to their lives and property.
SP ABDULLAHI HARUNA KIYAWA, ANIPR, MNISMA,
POLICE PUBLIC RELATONS OFFICER,
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, KANO STATE COMMAND.
News
Royal turbulence gets messier as emirs Sanusi II, Bayero move to hold prayer at Palace Mosque

As the royal turbulence continue to shake the foundation of the city of Kano, the ancient city is tension soaked as the two contending Emirs- the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, have indicated their determination to hold Jumaat prayers at the Palace Central Mosque.
A press statement issued Thursday night, signed by Danburan Kano, Munir Sanusi Bayero, spelt out the itinerary of the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to the Mosque to lead the Jumaat Prayers.
The statement explained that Emir Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, who resides in the Palace, and is closer to the contending Mosque, is expected to lead the two rakat Friday prayers.
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II has been leading the Jumaat Prayers at the Palace Central Mosque as the Amir of the City, a statement explained.
The statement by Danburan invited Kano residents to come and listen to the sermon to be delivered by the Emir Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II.
However, another statement from an aide of the deposed Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero invited residents to join him at the Emir’s Palace Friday Mosque to observe the Juma’at prayer.
It stated that the movement to the Emir’s Palace Mosque starts at 12.30 pm.
However, the police are yet to comment on the development.
-
Crime1 year ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News1 year ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi2 years ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro12 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu