By Osehobo Ofure Victor
In December 2020, John Mayaki, publicly professed, “As a Christian, I strive daily to have a conscience devoid of offence towards God and towards men and I am willing to apologise to whoever I may have offended in the course of my duties, knowingly and or unknowingly.”
He had just committed an egregious offense against the then INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Mike Igini, and found himself groveling for forgiveness for the August 27, 2020, press release he concocted and manipulated the former Edo State APC Chairman, Col. David Imuse, into delivering to the press. Mayaki described that day as the most unethical of his career, admitting that he failed to verify and scrutinize his source regarding the allegations before issuing the controversial statement.
Mayaki confessed that instead of evaluating the information based on its news value and the public’s right to know the unbiased truth, he allowed his political interests to cloud his judgment. “I have taken time to scrutinize and review my source, the story itself, and also listened to the testimony of other credible persons on this statement and the impeccable character of Mr. Mike Igini and have come to the conclusion and admission that something went wrong. My investigation and findings have now revealed that the story was not only untrue but unable to pass integrity and credibility checks.”
He freely agreed that he was complicit in the achievement of the source’s goals, having failed to apply basic rules of investigative journalism and logic to the allegations raised against one of INEC’s most respected and reputable Resident Electoral Commissioners.
“I tender my profound apology to Mr. Mike Igini, the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Mr. Anselm Ojezua—whose names appeared in that statement and on whom the story touches directly. By extension, I apologize to INEC for the inconveniences or embarrassment this statement has occasioned them as I hold Mr. Mike Igini in the highest esteem. I am thankful to my conscience for acknowledging this great mistake. I am also glad I listened and am ready to learn. I have resolved to do my best to re-win the trust of all friends and those I have offended with the said unfortunate ‘August’ statement. Human beings make errors. I am human and no exception.”
Mayaki’s hollow contrition came only after Mr. Igini dragged him and Col. Imuse before the court, alleging that on August 30, 2020, during the then just-concluded governorship election campaigns, the erstwhile APC Chairman and Mayaki, in his capacity as Chairman of the Media Committee, addressed journalists with a fabricated story titled, “Press conference on Governor Godwin Obaseki’s criminal attempt to infiltrate INEC officers like Mr. Mike Igini” in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area. While Igini recalled it was on August 30, Mayaki even forgot the date.
That case is still ongoing in the High Court with Imuse and the two newspapers as respondents after Mayaki begged his way out.
Fast forward to today, this same John Mayaki, who was once jobless, homeless, and living off the charity of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, is at it again. Recently, he tried—but woefully failed—to take on the Edo State APC apex leader, Senator Adams Oshiomhole. His latest diatribe, “Ize-Iyamu’s War Against Education to Promote an Illiterate Candidate,” is nothing short of a ludicrous display of ignorance and malicious intent. His assertion that Osagie Ize-Iyamu has joined the APC’s so-called “war against education” in Edo State to promote an “unlettered” candidate is an outright fabrication, designed to mislead and provoke rather than inform.
He does not know there is no war against education in Edo and that to suggest that a distinguished leader like Ize-Iyamu, who has dedicated much of his life to public service and the betterment of society, would disparage educational achievements is a sign of derangement. So is his reference to Ize-Iyamu as a “senior yahoo papa” which is not just offensive but is a disgraceful attempt to smear the reputation of a man whose integrity and commitment to ethical leadership are beyond question. The comparison to cybercriminals is a baseless insult, one that only reveals Mayaki’s desperation and lack of a moral compass.
Furthermore, Mayaki’s suggestion that Ize-Iyamu has debased himself by making “illogical references and comparisons” is laughable when contrasted with the incoherent and venomous drivel that Mayaki himself produces. Ize-Iyamu’s record as an educated, articulate, and respected leader stands in stark contrast to Mayaki’s unfounded and irrational tirades. His extended tenure at the University of Benin is a testament to his intellectual rigor, not something to be mocked by those who clearly lack the capacity to engage in reasoned discourse.
Moreover, Mayaki’s attempt to invoke the credentials of Ize-Iyamu’s wife, a highly respected Professor, in his diatribe is yet another example of his tendency to drag others into the mud with him. It is shameful that Mayaki would stoop so low as to use the accomplishments of a distinguished academic as a tool in his baseless attacks. The fact that Ize-Iyamu is married to a woman of such intellect and grace only serves to highlight his own qualities of discernment and respect for education.
John Mayaki’s criticisms of Senator Monday Okpebholo and his alleged “illiteracy” are nothing more than venomous fabrications intended to malign a distinguished public servant. Mayaki’s absurd assertion that Osagie Ize-Iyamu criticized Asue Ighodalo of the PDP for being well-spoken and educated, while excusing Okpebholo’s supposed illiteracy, is a grotesque distortion of reality. It is clear that Mayaki’s aim is not to engage in any meaningful discourse but rather to spread falsehoods and foster divisiveness.
First and foremost, it is important to debunk the ridiculous claim that Senator Okpebholo is illiterate or lacks experience. Okpebholo’s track record as a Senator is a testament to his competence, intelligence, and commitment to his people. His ability to navigate the complex terrain of Nigerian politics and deliver results for his constituents speaks volumes about his capability and knowledge. Mayaki’s crude attempt to reduce Okpebholo to a caricature is not only baseless but also reeks of a deep-seated inferiority complex on Mayaki’s part.
Mayaki’s suggestion that Okpebholo fails to make coherent sense in any language, whether Esan, broken English, or Urhobo, is an outright lie. This claim is not only unfounded but also an insult to the intelligence of the voters who elected Okpebholo. To suggest that a man who has been entrusted with the responsibility of representing his people at the national level is incapable of clear communication is nothing more than a desperate attempt to discredit him.
Furthermore, Mayaki’s derogatory description of Okpebholo’s speeches as “white noise” is not only disrespectful but also reveals his utter disregard for the democratic process. The use of phrases like “most luckiest Benin” and references to “natural resources” are taken out of context and twisted to suit Mayaki’s agenda. The reality is that Senator Okpebholo speaks to the issues that matter most to his constituents, and his words resonate deeply with those who understand the challenges and opportunities in Edo State.
Mayaki’s attack on Ize-Iyamu’s supposed hypocrisy is equally nonsensical. The fact that Ize-Iyamu preaches in English, a language understood by the majority of his congregation, is a reflection of his desire to communicate effectively with a diverse audience, not a sign of hypocrisy. Mayaki’s insinuation that Ize-Iyamu’s use of English in the pulpit somehow undermines his credibility as a political leader is absurd and reveals Mayaki’s lack of understanding of both religion and politics.
The truth is that Mayaki’s arguments are built on a foundation of lies and misrepresentations. His attempt to discredit Senator Okpebholo and Osagie Ize-Iyamu is nothing more than a reflection of his own insecurities and his inability to engage in substantive debate. Instead of offering constructive criticism, Mayaki resorts to petty insults and baseless accusations, which do nothing but expose his own inadequacies.
John Mayaki’s assertions are not only baseless but also laced with hypocrisy and ignorance. His portrayal of Osagie Ize-Iyamu as someone who allegedly wishes for the “common man” to remain uneducated is a vile misrepresentation, designed to manipulate and deceive the public. Mayaki’s argument, that Ize-Iyamu’s stance is somehow a betrayal of the principles of education and linguistic unity in Edo State, is nothing short of absurd.