A group, Concerned Citizens of Edo State has charged youths in the state to meticulously follow the trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer in the September 19 governorship election in the state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Mr. Orobosa Igbinoba, the group said it was pertinent to put young people and all right-thinking members of the public at alert on the case, due to the enormity of the allegations, as it would be unfair to make decisions without understanding the character and dealings of someone they are being presented with to run as governor.
The group said, “We call on Edo youths to be aware that Pastor Ize-Iyamu would be standing trial for a N700m money laundering case preferred against him and four others by the EFCC. The case comes up in court on July 2, 2020. After numerous tricks to detract the court, the judge has validated the charges preferred against Pastor Ize-Iyamu and the four other accused persons.”
According to the group, “We are using this medium to draw the attention of youths in Edo State to the trial of Pastor Ize-Iyamu. While we are aware that these are allegations, which need to be proved in the law courts, we are wary of the implications of this on the dignity and integrity of all Edo sons.
“This is not without a precedence. It is common knowledge that anyone with a criminal past would attract scorn and ridicule in the estimation of right-thinking members of the public. So, we would not drag our state to such ignoble path.”
The EFCC, in Suit No. FHC/BE21C/ 2016, filed eight count charges against Ize-Iyamu and the four accused persons bordering on alleged illegal receipt of public funds to the tune of N700 million for the purpose of the 2015 general elections, contrary to the provisions of the EFCC Act and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
