Edo Poll: Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu Trade Words Again Over Channels TV Debate

'Dotun Akintomide
Writer

Ad

Olanipekun to NASS: Halt constitution amendment, let Nigerians decide through referendum

By Obinna Uballa Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has urged the National Assembly to suspend all ongoing efforts to amend the 1999 Constitution, insisting that what Nigeria needs is not another round of patchwork reforms but a brand new, homegrown constitution that reflects the will and diversity of…

Katsina integrates Dakuku Peterside’s leadership principles into civil service reform agenda

By Obinna Uballa Katsina State recently took a new step in its ongoing civil service transformation drive by integrating leadership and governance principles drawn from the works of former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director-General, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, into its public sector reform agenda. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, who unveiled the initiative through…

Prof. Joy Ogwu: Everlasting Fidelity to God and Country

By Kingsley Dike There are very few people in this world whose chance encounter with you has such a transformative impact in your growth and development as a person. Professor Joy Ogwu, former Nigerian Foreign Minister and Permanent Representative to the United Nations who recently passed was one of them. I had met her at…

Ad

By Gbenga Abulude(Politics and General desk)

Ahead of the Edo State Governorship Election slated for next Saturday, September 19, the two major parties, All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  and their candidates -incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki and Pastor Osagie Ize-iyamu-are again locked in war of words over a scheduled  gubernatorial debate  being organized by the Channels TV.

The New Diplomat understands that baring any last minute changes, APC’s candidate, Pastor  Ize-Iyamu and his PDP rival Governor  Obaseki are billed to appear at a debate programme  scheduled to hold on Sunday. This has once again, thrown the two major political combatants followers in war of wards.

The Chairman of the Edo APC Media Campaign Council, Mr John Mayaki, in a statement chided Governor Obaseki for excusing himself from the previous debate and  advised the governor not to give excuses to shun  the proposed debate this time around.Obaseki and ize-iyamu

Read also: Edo Guber: Thousands Throng Ize-Iyamu’s Rallies In Oredo, Ikpoba Okha

Recall that Obaseki had  excused himself at the beginning of a virtual debate organized by BBC Pidgin last week Friday, only for him to resurface towards the end of the debate.

Obaseki had reportedly taken permission to attend another crucial  meeting and delegated his deputy Governor Comrade Phillip Shaibu to continue with the debate But  APC candidate, Pastor  Ize-Iyamu would have none of that stressing that the debate was organized for governorship candidates and not their deputies.

While  protesting the governor’s action the APC candidate had insisted that the debate was for governorship candidates and not for deputies. This in his submission completely invalidates Shaibu from participating.

Mr Jonas Osagiobare of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) who also participated at the debate said the APC candidate, Ize-Iyamu, was prepared for the debate and ready to share his well-articulated agenda ‘SIMPLE’ manifesto.

Read also: Edo 2020: APC Raises Concerns, Accuses PDP, INEC REC Of Plots To Undermine Election

“Anyone that can prevail on Mr. Governor to be present at the Channels debate should do so, so that he can rescue some of his chances of victory at the polls. His absence from two debates already has put people on edge. Why is he shying away from answering questions if he knows that he has truly done enough to warrant re-election?

“As for the APC, do not worry, all your questions will be answered by the erudite and sagacious politician, who is most fit and proper to be Governor of Edo State come November 12, 2020.

“If he runs from the Channels debate, Edo people will make up their minds on him as an unserious fellow, who was never prepared for governance. There is enough time for him to arrange all his schedules, so no excuse of ‘I have to meet up with another appointment’ will come up, just as in the BBC experience or the earlier one organised by the Nigeria Elections Debate Group in which the Governor claimed he never got invite for participation,” says Mayaki.

But the PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr Chris Nehikhare said the governor is ready to debate this time around, warning the APC to desist from making unacceptable noise and heated controversy .

He said the debate would afford Obaseki  the opportunity to speak about his numerous achievements in almost four years and his consolidation plans, “when re-elected  come September 19, to continue his good programs.”

Nehikhare reiterated that only Obaseki had a workable agenda of Making Edo Great Again (MEGA). He described Ize-Iyamu’s SIMPLE agenda manifesto as incapable of addressing the needs and aspirations of Edo people. According to the PDP, the APC’s candidate’s manifesto is not realistic as it is too idealistic and lacks practical content.

The PDP further alleged that it is Obaseki that has the answer to the needs and yearnings of the people of Edo state having been on the governorship seat for the past four years.

Ad

X whatsapp