A Governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Edo state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu was on Tuesday detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC)in Port Harcourt over allegations of financial impropriety.
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu was alleged to have bribed Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials during the 2015 general elections.
Source at the EFCC office in Port Harcourt confirmed to Nation that the aspirant was granted administrative bail Wednesday around 2:30pm and he is to appear on a later date already communicated to him.
“He thought he could secure his bail on Tuesday night but you know the investigation here is always thorough and detailed and we have to keep him till Wednesday.”
He was questioned over allegation of N700 million allegedly disbursed to Edo state for the 2015 general elections.
When contacted on phone yesterday, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu said he was on his way to Benin City but said he was invited as the coordinator for former President Goodluck Jonathan over the said funds and that he has explained to the anti-graft agency what he knows about the money and promised to give more details when he arrives the state capital.
It would be recalled that some officials of INEC were recently investigated for allegedly compromising during the 2015 election by some powerful politicians in the then ruling party to manipulate the election in the favour of the PDP.
Meanwhile this scenario came on the heels Ize-iyamu few days ago alleging that Governor Adams Oshiomhole has frittered over N1 trillion from the Federation Account since he came to power in 2008.
He had also expressed worry over the high taxes on Edo people by Oshiomhole’s led All Progressive Congress (APC) administration.
He spoke at a town hall meeting organised by House2House Campaign in support of Ize-Iyamu.
He commended the state government for improving the state economy through rapid internally generated revenue drive was commendable, but alleged that companies, shop and other viable business outfit and economically viable institutions have closed down and have left the state as a result of constant harassment by persons he alleged as touts operating as officials and agents government. For instance he said the tax policies have forced vehicle owners in the state to prefer to go to Delta State and other neigbouring states to register their vehicles .
Source – The Nation Newspaper.
