Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a former Secretary to the State Government, has given reason why Godwin Obaseki, the Edo State governor, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) was disqualified.
The governor, Chris Ogiemwonyi and Matthew Iduoriyekemwen were ousted from participating in the party primary slated for June 22, where the flag-bearer of the ruling party in the September 19 governorship election will emerge.
While the trio were disqualified, Mr Ize-iyamu, who enjoys the support of Adams Oshiomhole, the national chairman of the party, was cleared for participation.
Messrs Obaseki and Oshiomhole are politically at war with each other shortly after the latter succeeded the former in office.
In a statement by his spokesman, John Maiyaki, the former SSG explained why his colleagues were ousted saying the governor was deemed ineligible “over multiple inconsistencies in his presented academic certificates, including a Higher School Leaving Certificate the Governor claimed to have obtained from an Institute of Continuing Education in Benin City, Edo State.”
“The certificate, according to the committee, is unknown to the Nigerian education system and the Governor also admitted during the screening that he never received the certificate.
“Furthermore, his NYSC certificate indicated the name ‘Obasek’, and while the Committee acknowledged that this could be an error on the part of the issuing body, it flagged the Governor’s failure to address the problem for years and thus solidified doubts on its authenticity. Governor Godwin Obaseki also failed to supply additional documents solicited as proof of its claims,” the statement added.
Same academic credentials error was given as reasons for disqualifying Ogiemwonyi and Iduoriyekemwen. The APC is yet to give reason behind its action.
