LEAVE DR. PADDY IYAMU ALONE AND FOCUS ON THE REAL ISSUES FACING OREDO

Those closely following Dr. Paddy Iyamu’s formal declaration and his call for support will readily agree: his message has remained focused, positive, and issue-driven. It centres on his tangible achievements — what he has done — and his clear vision for the future — what he will do — without descending into personal attacks on any individual.

As a true statesman and progressive leader, Dr. Iyamu spoke with respect during his declaration, referring to fellow aspirants as brothers. He demonstrated this maturity by publicly urging his supporters to attend the declaration event of Hon. Osaro Obazee.

It is therefore deeply disappointing and shocking that certain elements within the Osaro Obazee camp have resorted to baseless social media attacks. They have dredged up events from 2016, claiming Dr. Paddy supported Pastor Ize Iyamu in the PDP, while conveniently forgetting that their own principal, Senator Monday Okpebholo — now the respected Governor of Edo State — was also in the PDP at that time. Today, the same camp is reportedly applying pressure and blackmail on some ward leaders aligned with the Governor to secure a ticket.

Dr. Paddy has chosen not to remind the people of Oredo about Hon. Osaro Obazee’s record as Council Chairman in 2013, his removal from office in 2015 amid allegations of fund misappropriation, or his subsequent loss of the House of Assembly seat to Hon. Uyi Ekhosuehi. He has equally refrained from highlighting how, during Senator Monday Okpebholo’s successful 2024 gubernatorial election, the self-acclaimed grassroots mobiliser allegedly lost his own unit and ward — and even reportedly disrupted proceedings in his unit out of fear of embarrassment. We challenge them to publish the unit results and prove otherwise.

If every leader lost their unit and ward in that manner, would Senator Okpebholo have emerged as Governor? Would there even be an APC House of Representatives contest in Oredo today?

We could also revisit Hon. Osaro Obazee’s 2023 House of Representatives bid, where he reportedly lost his own unit (including the one in his father’s house), his polling centre, and his ward woefully. Yet Dr. Paddy has maintained dignified silence on these matters. Regrettably, the other side continues to deny both Dr. Paddy and the people of Edo the opportunity to breathe and focus on development.

Must we discuss the handlers of election funds in past cycles — how resources meant for victory were disbursed without corresponding results, only for some of those same individuals to acquire properties and throw lavish victory parties shortly after defeat? The people of Oredo are not fools.

We have also witnessed desperate attempts to manipulate public opinion through sponsored groups. They falsely claim Dr. Paddy is in alliance with Albert Obazee — who has in the past insulted traditional institutions — and spread the outrageous lie that Dr. Paddy’s mother is Ijaw, drawing a baseless parallel with former Governor Obaseki. These are nothing but cheap blackmail and deliberate falsehoods.

For the record: Dr. Paddy Iyamu has neither met nor spoken with Albert Obazee — not in the past, and not now. He firmly believes his proven record of service will speak for him, not cheap sentiments. The people of Oredo are informed, intelligent, and discerning enough to see through these tactics.

A simple question for those now crying foul: When Albert Obazee was publicly insulting Dr. Paddy Iyamu in the past, did any of these groups come out to condemn or rebuke him? 

If Albert Obazee has now, on his own volition and based on empirical evidence of Dr. Paddy’s contributions to Edo State, chosen to acknowledge and praise that record, why has it suddenly become a crime or a problem?

We therefore urge all people of goodwill, lovers of truth, and genuine advocates of progress and development in Oredo Federal Constituency and Edo State at large: stand firmly with Dr. Paddy Iyamu. Not out of blind sentiment or emotion, but because of his proven competence, integrity, and uncommon delivery in previous roles. He has served as a source of pride to our people, and by God’s grace, he will deliver even greater impact when given the opportunity to represent Oredo in the House of Representatives.

Dr. Paddy has clearly shown what he has done. Let others show theirs.

Oba gha to kpere! Ise!

Agho Imuetinyan writes from his poultry farm.

Rewritten by Comrade Amb Victor Monday Olajide JP, public analyst and political enthusiast