~_Erhauyi Alfred Iyekekpolor_
Just yesterday, a twelve paragraph article with the above title was published. Reading through, one can grab the principal objective of the piece- a call for retreat, restraint or a cease-fire from individuals who throw banters at H.E. Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, the former governor of Edo state and erstwhile national chairman of our great party, the All Progressives Congress *(APC).* Indeed, this intention is commendable.
However, in a passionate endeavor to drive home his point, the writer conditionally made reference to a most distinguished and highly revered leader in the person of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the candidate of the party in the Edo state 2020 gubernatorial election as behind the action of Mr. Emmanuel Aigbogun who the writer credited with making “careless and provocative statements” against the comrade. It is for this reason that I document this response.
For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to outrightly dismiss the erroneous impression that Mr. Emmanuel Aigbogun is a boy to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu or that he was sent on that voyage by him. The falsehood is careless, callous and condescending. Any non-subjective and discerning mind who is familiar with the character and personality of POI as he is fondly called will effortlessly brush off such junk. He doesn’t deal with or address issues by proxy; he tackles them head-on regardless of who or what is involved. Therefore, the actions and inactions of Mr. Aigbogun are unquestionably of his own volition or freewill and should never be ascribed remotely or directly to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Without a shred of doubt, these rumor mongers are envious of the healthy relationship that exists between Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole; a consequence of their constant and robust interactions.
On the nomination of Engr. Abubakar Momoh as a minister, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is very happy with the choice of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Engr. Abubakar Momoh is a political associate of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and their relationship spans decades. Thus, POI is completely at home with the emergence of his old friend and he has since called to congratulate him.
Nonetheless, I agree with the submission of the writer as it pertains to working in unison. To begin, we must all caution ourselves, our supporters and every member of this party no matter how highly or lowly placed to desist from throwing jabs, spreading tall tales and instituting cheap blackmails against each other directly or through their surrogates or intermediaries. With mutual respect, dialogue, equity and justice, peace and unity will be attained across the eighteen local government areas of the state and we will be able to reposition the party for the future.