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Christian Leaders In Edo Endorse Pastor Ize-Iyamu And His Simple Agenda

Published

5 years ago

August 24, 2020

The Edo APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his manifesto, the Simple Agenda on Monday secured the endorsement of the Coalition of Christian Leaders in Edo State.

The Coalition which is made up of Pastors of Christian organizations across denominations, made public its endorsement in a communique signed by 14 eminent Church leaders at a special session in Benin City.

The signatories included that of Bishop Abraham Chigbundu of the Voice of Freedom Ministries, Pastor Dele Balogun, the Pastor in charge of Region 13 of the RCCG, Revd Jeff Iyonawan of Miracle Assembly and Bishop Iyobosa Atoe among others.

The special session featured prayers, praise and worship, an opening speech by Revd Jeff Iyonowan, an exhortation by Bishop Abraham Chigbundu comments by former deputy governor, Revd Peter Obadan, Barrister Emmanuel Usoh and other church leaders, culminating with the laying of hands and prayers for the victory of Pastor Ize-Iyamu.

According to the coalition, the Simple Agenda of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is a, “plan for the developmental path of Edo state and her citizens”, hence their call on all Christians across Edo state notwithstanding denominations to, “vote massively for the candidate of the APC, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his running mate, Mallam Gani Audu”, in the Edo elections.

The coalition then called on parents and guardians in the state to help stem any participation of their children from any form of violence as it preaches nonviolence elections. It also called on the church and all religious leaders to continue in prayers for a peaceful election come September 19,2020.

In an exhortation, Bishop Chigbundu using scriptures to back up his submission declared that as far as the Edo governorship elections is concerned, for the Church leaders, understanding of the times and knowing what to do is key.

He said for too long the Church in Edo state has played too much to the gallery but now, “the Church in Edo state must understand the times we are in: an opportunity again has arisen for us and we ought to know what to do. This is not about politics, church, denomination. This is about the Kingdom”.

In his remarks, Revd Peter Obadan, a former deputy governor of Edo state said that the gathering was actually called so that Pastors present could take the message back by evangelising others whom they know and can reach but were absent about Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

“Don’t go to your church. Go and tell the people that out brother is running; our brother is going to be governor of the state. This is what I want you to do….door to door evangelism and let every door post have POI”.

Obadan added, “If you live in Street A, cover the whole street. If your members cannot convert them to vote for POI, send your Pastors to go and convert them with words of wisdom. The Kingdom of God suffereth violence and only the violent taketh it by force”

Earlier, in a welcome address, Revd Jeff Iyonawan of the Miracle Assembly said Christian leaders in the state opted to get actively involved in the Edo state governorship 2020 election because, “a politically disinterested and disengaged church is a disservice to the kingdom of God”.

The APC candidate apparently overwhelmed by the company of church leaders endorsing him and his manifesto said he was humbled especially as it was a repeat of what they did for him in 2016, when he first ran for Governor.

He commended Bishop Chigbundu, Revd Obadan and Pastor Dele Balogun, the Regional Pastor of region 13 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, describing him as his father in the Lord for the ,”uncommon support he has given”, in mobilizing the church to support his governorship ambition.

Pastor Ize-Iyamu said it was good to know that, the church leaders realise that a christian be in the helm of affairs in Edo state as he commended them for understanding the times and seizing the opportunity because that politics is about power, influence and money

He then spoke briefly about his manifesto, the Simple Agenda, which details his plans upon assumption of office as Edo State Governor and said by the grace of God, “I want to assure church I will not disappoint you”.

He urged the church leaders to go back home and talk to their neighbors so that on September 19, 2020 they vote for somebody who is god-fearing, “somebody who has a clearcut agenda about what he wants to do. We are tired of fake promises”.

In conclusion, the APC candidate said that the only way, “ I can thank you is to do the will of God in government”, and ,”be your true representative in government” recalling how in the past he has been dependable as an appointee of government.

News

Osun, Imo, Kano Lead As INEC Reports 2.3m New Voter Registrations

Published

5 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday released the new voter registration figures totaling 2,316,232 nationwide, showing wide variation across the states, with Osun topping the list.

INEC reiterated in its notice that “registration is suspended in Anambra State until after the governorship election on 8th November 2025 in line with Section 9 (6) of the Electoral Act 2022,” leaving the state without figures in the latest update.

INEC described the update as part of its ongoing effort to maintain transparency in the continuous voter registration process, stating that the figures represent “completed online and physical registration for Week 12.”

According to the commission, Osun posted the highest total with 185,089 completed registrations, followed by Imo with 143,386. Kano recorded 132,290, while Sokoto reached 123,320.

Lagos followed at 109,693; the Federal Capital Territory at 106,855, and Borno at 106,376. Kogi registered 91,573; Jigawa, 88,209; Zamfara, 84,268; and Katsina, 80,425. Kaduna recorded 78,282; Kebbi 74,159; Delta 72,311, and Ogun 71,091. Niger posted 69,739; Akwa Ibom 65,446, and Oyo 64,561.

Adamawa recorded 49,853; Kwara, 47,241; and Yobe 46,986. Rivers documented 57,251, placing it above many mid-range states, while Benue had 42,557, and Bayelsa had 38,627. Bauchi recorded 36,166; Ekiti 32,096; Gombe 31,542, and Nasarawa 30,348.

Ebonyi followed with 28,310; Edo with 27,130, and Plateau with 24,077. Taraba recorded 17,803; Enugu 16,304; Ondo 16,012; Cross River 14,559, and Abia 12,297.

The CVR is scheduled to end in August 2026. Since the exercise began on August 18, 2025, states in the South-West, particularly Osun and Lagos, have consistently led in registration numbers.

Recent updates indicated a rising trend in participation from northern states, driven by intensified mobilisation efforts.

Community-based organisations, religious leaders, and local officials in several northern states have been actively promoting voter awareness and encouraging eligible residents to register.

News

Netizens Seek Probe Of Assassination Attempt On Yerima

Published

6 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Editor

Nigerians were last night divided over the report that Navy Lieutenant Ahmad M. Yerima narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja, with many now questioning whether the incident happen exactly as described.

Initial reports from multiple news platforms claimed Yerima was trailed by two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates, prompting a high-speed chase and a “tactical manoeuvre” that allegedly saved his life.

The report quoted military sources who said the vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way at about 6:30p.m.

The source added that the matter is under investigation and is receiving “the seriousness it deserves,” noting that further details are being withheld so as not to compromise the process.

The development comes days after Yerima, while on duty with other security personnel, engaged in a tense confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District. The clash, captured on viral videos, sparked widespread public debate and prompted intervention from the Presidency, which subsequently halted the demolition exercise at the site.

But as the story spreads, so do doubts. Critics argue that the details remain vague and rely heavily on Yerima’s personal account, with no confirmed CCTV footage, eyewitness statements, or official security briefings to back the claims. Some security analysts say the descriptions sound “too cinematic,” raising the possibility of misinterpretation or exaggeration.

Adding to the skepticism is the timing of the report, coming just days after Yerima’s viral confrontation with Wike over a halted demolition exercise. While social media users have tried to link both events, officials insist there is no evidence connecting Wike or any political figure to the alleged chase.

Already, military veterans nationwide have criticised Wike for verbally insulting the officer and rejected calls for disciplinary action against Yerima. Spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that ex-service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if the officer faced any punishment.

Many others want clarity: Was the officer truly targeted, or is this a case of panic amplified by public emotion and online speculation? Investigators are yet to provide answers.

News

FCT Police Reacts To Alleged Assassination Attempt On Naval Officer Yerima

Published

6 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Editor

The FCT Police Command has dismissed publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima, the naval officer who engaged in a confrontation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, over a disputed land in Abuja.

In a statement on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, SP Josephine Adeh, said no such incident was reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory.

Adeh advised the public to disregard the information as false and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic.

“For the safety of all residents, the Command urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police Division. You may also reach the Command Headquarters through our emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08068587311 for prompt response,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle, Yerima will not be punished for any offence concerning the confrontation with Wike, which was captured in a video.

In an interview with DCL Hausa, monitored in Gusau by The Guardian, the minister dismissed public assertions that the soldier might face disciplinary action, noting the incident was being exaggerated.

The video, which surfaced on Tuesday, showed Wike in a heated exchange with Lt. Ahmed Yerima at a disputed land site in Abuja.

The minister was seen trying to defuse tension between the security operatives and the soldiers present at the location.

Matawalle explained that the Defence Ministry values mutual respect between civil authorities and the military, adding that the matter has been resolved without any need for punitive measures.

In the video, the FCT Minister was heard demanding to see the approval granted to the landowner, insisting the development must have official authorisation.

In other news, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has tasked President Bola Tinubu to compel the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to apologise for using uncomplimentary comments against a serving naval officer, A. M. Yerima, over a disputed piece of land in Abuja.

While saying that the Minister was lucky not to have been shot during his confrontation with the soldier, the senior lawyer, however, stressed that both parties erred in law.

This is even as he faulted the Federal Government’s move to have former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, serve the remainder of his prison sentence in Nigeria.