BENIN CITY—Olu Martins, Deputy Director-General, Media and Publicity of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, has openly criticized All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Osagie Ize-Iyamu. Ize-Iyamu recently remarked that Governor Godwin Obaseki was not campaigning with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Dr. Asue Ighodalo due to the latter’s alleged non-performance, suggesting that Obaseki’s presence would be detrimental to Ighodalo’s campaign.
During a national television program, Ize-Iyamu asserted that Governor Obaseki’s absence was a sign of disapproval. In response, Martins accused Ize-Iyamu and the APC of “collective amnesia,” noting their contradictory statements, having previously called Ighodalo Obaseki’s godson
Martins responded, “Now they claim Governor Obaseki doesn’t campaign with our candidate Dr. Ighodalo. What is their problem? The APC seems to suffer from collective amnesia. If Governor Obaseki were Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s godfather, wouldn’t he be campaigning for him, especially if Dr. Asue were incapable of campaigning for himself like their own candidate who needs micromanaging?”
He emphasized that Ighodalo is a capable and brilliant candidate who can campaign independently, contrary to APC’s assertions. “Governor Obaseki has performed excellently, and everyone knows it. The claim that our candidate doesn’t campaign with him due to poor performance is merely a distraction from the issues surrounding their own lackluster candidate.”
Martins praised Obaseki’s governance, stating, “No governor since the creation of Edo State in 1991 has conceived and executed such impactful governance as Governor Obaseki. He is a cerebral and versatile administrator focused on doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people.”
He also reminded Ize-Iyamu of the state’s past under APC rule, where political corruption and lawlessness were rampant. “Edo State was once overrun by thugs and political jobbers. We have long moved past where APC left us, where money was idly given to party leaders without any legitimate jobs.”
Background on the Controversy
The controversy stems from comments made by APC’s Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who criticized Governor Obaseki for not actively campaigning with the PDP’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo. Ize-Iyamu suggested that Obaseki’s absence indicated a lack of support due to Ighodalo’s supposed non-performance. This statement sparked a response from Olu Martins, who defended Obaseki and criticized the APC’s contradictory positions.
Martins’ Defense of Obaseki and Ighodalo
Martins highlighted the inconsistency in the APC’s narrative. He pointed out that while the APC had previously accused Ighodalo of being Obaseki’s godson, they were now questioning why Obaseki was not visibly supporting Ighodalo’s campaign. Martins emphasized Ighodalo’s competence and independence as a candidate, countering the APC’s claims of non-performance.
Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s Vision for Edo State
Martins also emphasized Dr. Ighodalo’s vision for the state, which aligns with Obaseki’s progressive agenda. Ighodalo’s campaign focuses on:
- Sustainable Development: Ensuring long-term growth and stability for the state’s economy and infrastructure.
- Youth Empowerment: Creating job opportunities and educational programs to empower the younger generation.
- Good Governance: Promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in the state government.
Praise for Obaseki’s Governance
In his defense, Martins lauded Governor Obaseki’s achievements, describing him as a transformative leader who has significantly improved Edo State since his tenure began. He cited various initiatives and developments that have positively impacted the lives of Edo residents, positioning Obaseki as a progressive and effective governor.
Criticism of APC’s Past Governance
Martins did not shy away from criticizing the APC’s past governance in Edo State, describing it as a period marked by corruption and mismanagement. He recalled the state’s previous struggles with political thuggery and financial misappropriation, contrasting it with the current administration’s efforts to instill transparency and accountability.
Concluding Remarks
Martins concluded by urging Edo residents to recognize the positive changes under Obaseki’s leadership and to support candidates who represent progress and integrity. He dismissed the APC’s criticisms as baseless and rooted in a desire to distract from their own shortcomings.