•Ize-Iyamu vows to tackle corruption
Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has described himself as the most experienced politician to succeed Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
He said: “The period I was the Chief of Staff opened my eyes. I am not a novice. I don’t have to learn the ropes. I know the working of the government. I believe I have the education, the knowledge and experience to make a difference.
“What our people needs is somebody that is accessible; somebody that can be trusted. I have worked at the local and state levels. I have served as the secretary to Government. I know what it takes to rule. I will steer the ship of state in a better manner.”
The aspirant stated the June 20 primary of the PDP will mark the beginning of his journey to the Edo State House, adding that, apart from winning the shadow poll, he will defeat the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ize-Iyamu, who spoke with reporters in Lagos, also vowed to tackle corruption, if elected as governor.
He said: “I will tackle corruption in Edo. I will be bringing in my integrity, experience, sincerity, vision, and a clear idea of what needs to be done. I have a covet with the people.”
The aspirant acknowledged that he has been a subject of blackmail and intimidation since he joined the race, despite the fact that he has not been indicted for any wrong doing as a past office holder.
He lamented that his detractors have also castigated him as a serial defector, following his defection from the APC to the PDP, which he left for the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), more than seven years ago.
Ize-Iyamu recalled that he left the PDP when it was the ruling party, adding that he also quit ruling party after he played a significant role in Oshiomhole’s re-election.
He added: “I can’t be fixed in a place that is oppressive. In defecting, I have always been taking a risk.”
The lawyer-turned politician stated although he is interested in serving as governor, he is not desperate.
Ize-Iyamu said: “I see myself as largely misunderstood. The stigma I have is that I was in the former government and that I once left the party. I am in politics because I am a very passionate person, a compassionate person. I am concerned about my state.
“Our state is not a poor state, but the truth is that, in terms of development, Edo State is very poor. The people are poor, yet, we have no business to be poor because of our resources.”
The aspirant stated that he has been critical of the Oshiomhole administration because of its shortfall in role fulfillment, adding that the government has not performed creditably in the areas of agricultural development, housing and the revival of the moribund industries.
He, however, clarified that there was no pact between him and the governor on succession, stressing that, although Oshiomhole once mooted the idea of handling over to him, he has never taken him serious.
Unfolding his programmes, Ize-Iyamu said: “I believe in the cardinal programmes of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN); free education, free health services, full employment and integrated rural development.
.....The Nation