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Edo State Government has warned that any private residence used for the purported rally of the All Progressives Congress in Edo state will have its certificate of occupancy revoked.
However, in sharp contrast with the state’s directives, the organisers of the mega rally had moved the event to the private residence of the 2016 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Pastor Osagie Iye-Iyamu along Ugbor-Amagba road in Benin City.
With this development, there is a likelihood that Ize-Iyamu may lose his C of O for disobeying the order by the state government.
Recall that Edo State Government issued the directive in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie.
The statement partly reads, “having received security advice from the office of the Inspector General of Police. The state government places a total and complete ban on any political rallies, demonstrations or processions in any part of the state.”
He said security agencies are expected to deal firmly with all persons no matter how highly-placed who will act in breach of the directive.
Ogie advised all parents and guardians to also advise their children and wards not to be allowed to be used by anyone as cannon-fodder in the aid of misguided political ambition and ego of people whose children reside and school abroad.
Ize-Iyamu’s defection: How the event happened
The rally at Ize-Iyamu’s residence was attended by APC chieftains loyal to Oshiomhole but Oshiomhole was absent at the rally.
Police sources said Oshiomhole was ‘technically’ kept under house arrest as the police refused to allow him go to the rally.
Imuse formally welcomed Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu into the party and presented him and his supporters with a broom, which is the APC party symbol.
Imuse stated that the coming of Ize-Iyamu and his supporters from the 18 local government areas would add value to the party.
” We are here to celebrate the homecoming of our brothers and sisters from the PDP who have come to add value to our party; not only to add value, they are coming to make our party grow from strength to strength so that we can win at all levels”.
Addressing that rally, Pastor Ize-Iyamu debunked rumours that he was joining the APC to make trouble.
He said he has already joined the APC as required by party regulations at his Ugboko ward in Orhionnwon Local Government Area.
According to him, “For those who are in doubt, the moment I made up my mind to join the APC, I went to my ward and I am proud to say I have registered in Ugboko ward in Orhionmwon local government area”.
“By the grace of God, APC will grow from strength to strength. We want to extend hand of peace. We are not here (APC) to fight anyone. We have come to be your friends.”
Some chieftains that attended were Hon Pally Iriase, Raza Bello-Osagie, Tony Omoaghe, Victor Edoror, Dr. Pius Odubu amongst others.