Benin City – Truth Live News
Former governorship candidate and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has described Governor Monday Okpebholo’s first year in office as a “season of truth, deliverance and restoration” for Edo State, while responding to what he called “misdirected attacks” from the factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Tony Aziegbemi.
In a detailed press statement made available to Truth Live News, Ize-Iyamu said he was compelled to clarify specific issues raised by Dr Aziegbemi to prevent Edo people from being misled or from having recent history distorted. He stated that his response was not to trade words but to ensure that facts remained facts.
According to him, Edo State has been placed on a new and hopeful path under Governor Monday Okpebholo, marked by accountability, order, and genuine development that citizens can feel and benefit from. He contrasted this with what he described as “grand announcements that delivered very little” under the previous administration.
“Edo people deserve honest engagement, not political misdirection,” he said. “My intention is simply to ensure that the progress being made today is not overshadowed by false narratives.”
Ize-Iyamu commended the Okpebholo administration for projects such as the Benin flyovers at Ramat Park and Adesuwa Junction, describing them as “tangible structures that Edo people can see.” He argued that these projects, unlike the presentations and PowerPoint plans of the previous government, represent visible progress in key areas of infrastructure, education, and governance.
He noted that the ongoing Benin flyover project had become a “symbol of leadership that works,” addressing long-standing traffic congestion on the Ikpoba Hill corridor. He said the difference in approach between both administrations reflected the new government’s commitment to service rather than rhetoric.
“Leadership requires presence, accountability, and continuity. A former governor who has chosen to remain outside the state since leaving office cannot credibly evaluate a government that is on the ground, engaging with the people, and rebuilding what was left behind,” he stated.
The APC leader also defended the legitimacy of Governor Okpebholo’s electoral mandate, insisting that it was “clear, decisive, and affirmed by every tribunal.” He urged those still contesting the governor’s victory to accept the verdicts of the courts and allow him to govern without distractions.
“Throughout his eight years in office, I never criticised Governor Obaseki or his government. Those still bitter about the outcome of the last election must put disappointment aside and give Senator Okpebholo a chance to serve the people,” Ize-Iyamu said.
He highlighted several achievements within the governor’s first year, including the employment of 5,000 teachers, renovation of schools, increased funding for Ambrose Alli University, the restoration of the Central Hospital, a one-billion-naira bursary scheme for students, and the reactivation of customary courts across the state.
On security, Ize-Iyamu said the Okpebholo administration had “restored calm and control” by providing vehicles, motorcycles, and logistics for law enforcement, as well as strengthening community policing and tackling cultism. He contrasted this with the “climate of fear” that characterised the previous administration.
He also commended the revival of the New Edo Line and the Edo City Transport Service, describing them as practical examples of policies that “create jobs and restore public confidence.”
“The past government gave Edo people slogans, tablets without teachers, and projects without completion. Governor Okpebholo has given our people real schools, real roads, and real jobs,” he said.
In his statement, Ize-Iyamu accused the former administration of promoting what he termed “audio projects” and “PowerPoint governance,” claiming that many of the initiatives were structured to benefit private interests rather than the public.
“Those who supervised eight years of emptiness will always tremble before one year of progress,” he said. “Edo is finally on the path of restoration, fairness, and responsible leadership.”
Ize-Iyamu urged Edo people to continue supporting the governor, describing him as a peaceful leader who respects institutions and values cooperation.
“Governor Okpebholo is not fighting his deputy, the House of Assembly, judges, or traditional rulers. He respects institutions, values peace, and listens. This alone marks a total departure from the hostility and arrogance of the past,” he added.
Concluding the statement, he said, “Edo State is finally experiencing governance with a heart. The hand of God is upon this new season, and the people can already see the difference between leadership that serves and leadership that exploits. Those hired to malign him should bow their heads in shame and join the liberation already underway.”