Despite the ban on political
rallies by the government of Edo state, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, governorship
candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2016 election, held a
defection rally at his Benin residence on Friday.
Citing the high level of tension
in the state, the administration of Godwin Obaseki, governor of the state,
directed that political rallies should be put on hold.
In a statement, Osarodion Ogie,
secretary to the state government, said security agencies had been directed to
deal with anyone who breached the directive.
He added that anyone who allows
his property for political rallies would have his certificate of occupancy
revoked and forfeited to the state government.
But Ize-Iyamu hosted a mammoth
crowd at his residence on Friday. He also announced that he had joined the
ruling party.
“For those who are in doubt, the
moment I made up my mind to join the APC, I went to my ward and I am proud to
say I have registered in Ugboko ward in Orhionmwon local government area,” he
told the cheering crowd.
 |
| Ize-Iyamu addressing reporters after the event |
“By the grace of God, APC will
grow from strength to strength. We want to extend hand of peace. We are not
here (APC) to fight anyone. We have come to be your friends. If we are their
enemies, we want to extend the hand of peace, we are not your enemy, we have
not come to fight anybody. Even if you slap us, we will turn the other cheek.
“We have not come to fight ..we
have come to be your brothers; we have come to be your friends. And we beg you
in the name of God to let peace reign. If there is peace in Edo, there will be
development. If there is development, the government will do well and if the
government does well, APC will do well.”
There are reports that Adams
Oshiomhole, national chairman of the APC,
is backing ze-Iyamu to clinch the ruling party’s ticket for the 2020
gubernatorial race.
Among the loyalists of Oshiomhole
who attended the rally are Patrick Obahiagbon, former secretary to the
government of Edo state, Pally Iriase, a former member of the house of
representatives; and Pius Odubu, former deputy governor of Edo.
Oshiomhole was absent at the
event.
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