By Francis Ogbuagu,
The candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC) for the September 19 gubernatorial election in Edo State, Pastor Ize-iyamu on Friday in Benin City, said he had studied the needs of Edo people,and knows what every Community needs
Ize-iyamu stated that, before he declared his intentions to run for governor in Edo State,he constituted a team of experts in different fields that went round the communities in Edo State, identified the challenges each and every community have and that is what formed the “Simple Agenda”
He made the assertion,while having a Media Parley with journalists in Benin City. According to him, the “Simple Agenda” is his manifesto and his contract agreement with Edo people when he is elected governor come September,19.
“I had the Simple Agenda four years ago, but I allowed myself to be distracted by the opposition, rather than commit time and energy selling my manifesto.I spent quality time responding to their insult and blackmail ,but I have learnt my lessons. I will not be distracted this time.Those who are running for governor then,even now had no agenda.
“They have to tell Edo people what they are ready to do. Where is their agenda? I want to tell Edo people.Many of you know that,I am the author of this, those who are laying claims to it are just being mischievous.You can ask them, what is their own? Even,as 2016, Amazon have started selling the book,they titled it. “The Political Manifesto of Pastor Osagie Ize-iyamu”,and nobody has taken them to court”
He explained that the “Simple Agenda” is just an acronym, where “S” stands for security and social welfare.According tohim,the issue of security has become a challenge that must be confronted. “Edo is the only state in the south south that has not invested in technology in the area of security.In the absence of security, there is nothing you can do.This is going to be our priority. It is not that the resource is not there. People don’t like to hear what,I want to say,the government has to be transparent.You collect security vote,if nothing else,the name speaks for itself.In the last government, the security vote was 6 billion naira a year, that comes down to 500 millions naira a month.And you give the Edo State Police Command 5 million a month, that is 1 percent of what you collect as security vote. How do you expect them to be serious with security? The five millions will not even service their vehicle for the month.”
He also said,his administration will, as part of the “Simple Agenda” invest in infrastructure development and Urban Renewal as “I” of the agenda stands for infrastructural development and urban renewal.
While the “M” stands for Manpower
Development and Training.He berated the Edo Governor,who promised to create 200,000 jobs during his campaign,but according to him,have not created a single job.
He asked why the Governor had not employed teachers since most public schools in Edo have serious lack of teachers?
Also, he said the “P” stands for Public Private Partnership, while “L” stands for Leadership by example and “E” stands for employment creation and social employment scheme.
