The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the forthcoming Edo state gubernatorial election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu spoke to YNaija in an intense Twitter interview.
Ize-Iyamu, in the interview, without mincing words berated the government of the day led by Adams Oshiomhole of the All Progressives Congress (APC) even as he boldly declared that he had never been involved in any of the dirty tricks politicians are infamous for playing.
The Edo state governorship election is slated for September 10.
Read the full interview below.
Thank you and I look forward to answering some of your questions,
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
#YNaijaTwitterInterview: @PastorIzeIyamu what should the people of Edo state expect in the first 100 days if you're elected as governor?
— Y! Online #WorldCup (@YNaija) August 8, 2016
A purposeful and well focused government. We intend to establish enduring structures for the implementation of the Simple Agenda.
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
#YNaijaTwitterInterview: Speaking of a "focused government" @PastorIzeIyamu, how would you rate the outgoing government of Adams Oshiomhole?
— Y! Online #WorldCup (@YNaija) August 8, 2016
Not focused, not transparent. Their approach to governance has been largely cosmetic. Critical sectors have been neglected.
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
#YNaijaTwitterInterview: .@PastorIzeIyamu which sectors specifically?
— Y! Online #WorldCup (@YNaija) August 8, 2016
Agriculture, Industries, Sports, Tourism, Housing, Commerce, Health, Education and Security, etc.
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
#YNaijaTwitterInterview: So @PastorIzeIyamu, on a scale of 'Good to Horrible' how'd you compare Oshiomhole's government with Igbinedion's?
— Y! Online #WorldCup (@YNaija) August 8, 2016
Igbinedion's govt did not meet the expectations of the people especially in road infrastructure but Oshiomhole's govt failed in ….
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
critical sectors despite the unprecedented revenue at his disposal.
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
#YNaijaTwitterInterview: @PastorIzeIyamu As a part of former governor Igbinedion's government, how can you… 1/2
— Y! Online #WorldCup (@YNaija) August 8, 2016
#YNaijaTwitterInterview: @PastorIzeIyamuexplain your involvement with a government that 'did not meet the expectations of the people'? 2/2
— Y! Online #WorldCup (@YNaija) August 8, 2016
Igbinedion did well in agriculture, sports, commerce, housing, rural electrification, potable water, human capital development….
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
In spite of the limited resources. However, I was just an appointee and cannot be equated to the chief executive.
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
#YNaijaTwitterInterview: @PastorIzeIyamu with the recent emphasis on state's IGR, how'd you increase Edo's if elected… increase tax?
— Y! Online #WorldCup (@YNaija) August 8, 2016
We need to diversify the economy. Invest in agriculture and commerce. Attract investment in oil and gas, solid minerals, tourism..
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
and sports. These businesses will bring additional revenue to the state and attract more people which invariably will lead to……
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
higher revenue without necessarily increasing taxes. We believe that the present tax regime in Edo is arbitrary, punitive and ……
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
prone to abuse. We shall reform the process and plug all existing loopholes. Efficiency and accountability will bring higher revenue
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
#YNaijaTwitterInterview: @PastorIzeIyamu The build up to the election has been filled with drama- do you think you have enough… 1/2
— Y! Online #WorldCup (@YNaija) August 8, 2016
#YNaijaTwitterInterview: @PastorIzeIyamu …political influence to defeat @APCNigeria's Obaseki at the polls? 2/2
— Y! Online #WorldCup (@YNaija) August 8, 2016
What is important is the votes of Edo people which we are confident about. The present govt has failed and their ……
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
candidate is unknown in the state. Their campaign is being done by Oshiomhole. Third term is not possible.
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
#YNaijaTwitterInterview: So @PastorIzeIyamu, from this, can you say Gov. Oshiomhole is Obaseki's 'godfather'?
— Y! Online #WorldCup (@YNaija) August 8, 2016
Obviously. At their campaign rallies Oshiomhole speaks for two hours and Obaseki speaks for five minutes.
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
#YNaijaTwitterInterview: @PastorIzeIyamu Just two questions to go…
— Y! Online #WorldCup (@YNaija) August 8, 2016
#YNaijaTwitterInterview: @PastorIzeIyamu Are you confident that the elections will be free and fair?
— Y! Online #WorldCup (@YNaija) August 8, 2016
I am worried about the inconclusive nature of previous elections and hope that INEC will get their acts right this time.
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
#YNaijaTwitterInterview: @PastorIzeIyamu and on a final note, how do you balance the now not-so pleasant politics of Edo state with… 1/2
— Y! Online #WorldCup (@YNaija) August 8, 2016
#YNaijaTwitterInterview: @PastorIzeIyamu …your calling as a pastor? Don't you get your hands dirty a little? 2/2
— Y! Online #WorldCup (@YNaija) August 8, 2016
Honestly, I don't get my hands dirty because I am guided by the principles of my calling. I believe governance is not supposed …..
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
to be for dirty people. The bible encourages the righteous to lead the people as it is written in Prov 29: 2 "When the righteous….
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
rule, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan" We are motivated by the need to bring joy to Edo people.
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
And it’s a wrap…
#YNaijaTwitetrInterview: @PastorIzeIyamu Thank you for obliging our request for an interview. And it's a wrap 🙂
Watch out for more Friday.
— Y! Online #WorldCup (@YNaija) August 8, 2016
Thank you for your questions. Special thanks to the good people of Edo State for your commitment to this project. #TakeTheFuture
— Pastor Ize-Iyamu (@PastorIzeIyamu) August 8, 2016
el-o-el! What about the N700m campaign funds?