‘We’re happy it has ended’ — Ize-Iyamu congratulates Obaseki on s’court victory

Osagie Ize Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Edo governorship election, has congratulated Godwin Obaseki, incumbent governor of the state, on his victory at the supreme court.

On May 28, the supreme court dismissed a suit filed by the APC and Williams Edobor, a chieftain of the party, accusing Obaseki of forging the first degree certificate which he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enable him contest the governorship election.

According to NAN, in a letter sent to the governor on Monday, Ize Iyamu congratulated Obaseki on his victory at the supreme court, adding that the APC had decided not to press further charges at the tribunal, in order to allow him focus on his duty of governing the state.

“For the records, Your Excellency, your supporters had instituted 13 different pre-election cases against my deputy and I; all seeking to disqualify us from participating in the election,” the letter reads.

“On our part, our party, the APC had only one case against Your Excellency and your party. We also deliberately did not go to the Elections Tribunal, not because we did not have issues but because we felt it was better to allow you face the job at hand, more so as our party at the national level had congratulated you.

“We are happy that all these cases have come to an end. Now that it is all over, please accept my congratulations,”

Ize-Iyamu also appealed to Obaseki to look into some issues on governance, including matters relating to local government representation.

“I want to appeal to you to kindly consider the pertinent issues of  the 14 constituencies, including the two in your local government – Oredo and the two in your deputy’s local government – Etsako West, that are presently without representation at the Edo State Assembly,” he said.

“Though the matter is in court, you are in a vantage position to consider an out-of-court settlement of the issue, in the overall interest of our state.

“Your Excellency would also do well to intervene in the issue of elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice-chairmen, Councilors and Supervisory Councilors, who some time ago, were suspended and removed from office.

“Our appeal is that you consider paying them their entitlements since it is now late for them to return to their offices. This can also be through the out-of-court settlement.

“Your Excellency, for us in the APC, as the opposition party in the state, we have a duty to ensure that your government does the right thing always.”