Commissioner disagrees with Ize-Iyamu over underdevelopment claim 

Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, has chided an APC governorship aspirant, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, over his claim of underdevelopment in the state.

Nehikhare asked Ize-Iyamu to desist from maligning the state government led by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Ize-Iyamu had on Friday, in an interview on Arise Television, claimed that Obaseki has not developed the state and has marginalised Orhionmwon Local Government, where they are both from.

In an open letter to Ize-Iyamu made available to journalists on Friday, Nehikhare debunked the claim made by Ize-Iyamu, noting that the governor has taken bold steps to address the issue in the state by opening up the space for more actors to provide electricity, among others developmental projects.

Nehikhare, who described as shocking Ize-Iyamu allegations of marginalisation and the underdevelopment of Orhionmwon Local Government Council Area, said it was not only disappointing but a fact that Orhionmwon LGA has been unlucky over the years with the quality of leadership.

He said the local government has had leaders like Ize-Iyamu among others, who were in successive governments in the state without anything to show.

He said, “I watched you on ARISE TV, and frankly, I was shocked to hear you make allegations of marginalisation and the state of development in our beloved Local Government Area, Orhionmwon.

“The truth is that Orhionmwon has been unlucky over the years with the quality of leadership it has been saddled with.

“Orhionmwon has produced a Chief of Staff under Chief Lucky Igbinedion between 1999 and 2003 in the person of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. Orhionmwon also had a representative in Government as a Secretary to the State Government between 2003 and 2007 in the person of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

“Orhionmwon produced a deputy governor between 2008 and 2016 under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in the person of Pius Odubu. The LGA also has Patrick Aisowieren sitting on the board of the NDDC.

“Before Hon Aisowieren, another Orhionmwon son was the immediate last state representative in the person of Hon. Saturday Uwuliekhue.”

According to Nehikhare, Orhionmwon sons, H.E Pius Odubu and Hon Patrick Aisowieren, represented the Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode federal constituency in the National Assembly for sixteen straight years before being rewarded with the positions of deputy governor and NDDC state representative respectively.

“Curiously, all these people are members of the opposition party in the State, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Yet you, my brother, claim that the LGA has been marginalised when all these people have held critical positions in Edo State before now.

“One would wonder if it is until they become governor before they are able to make a positive impact in the lives of their people and the local government, because, as it is often said, ‘he who is faithful with little is most likely faithful with much,” Nehikhare said.

The Communication and Orientation Commissioner in Edo said Governor Godwin Obaseki has barely served for eight years and has brought so much development and impactful projects to the local council, which is currently benefitting the people and improving the lives of thousands of residents in the LGA.

“It is on record that the Governor facilitated the setup of Duport Midstream Company Limited (DMCL) facility in Egbokor, in our own Orhionmwon, which is the second refinery in the state after the Edo Refinery. The facility boasts of a 2500bpd modular refinery, a data centre, a gas processing facility, and a power plant, providing ample infrastructure to drive industrial growth in its host community, Orhionmwon.

“It is incontrovertible that Governor Obaseki has continued to blaze the trail, embarking on bold and transformative projects that have benefited millions of Edo people, including the good people Orhionmwon, our Constituency.

“The governor's track record of inclusivity and good governance speaks to his sincere intentions over the past seven years that have translated to the progress recorded across all sectors of the State, from agriculture to education, health and technology, among others, and Edo people and Orhionmwon people are aware of these facts. It is clear that Obaseki's legacies cannot be blemished. Edo people know the truth and will not be deceived,” he said.