*Affirms Loyalty to Benin Nation
An All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives aspirant for Oredo Federal Constituency, Hon. Paddy Iyamu, has strongly refuted allegations linking him to the agitation for the creation of Toru-Ebe and Anioma states, describing the claims as “reckless, baseless, and politically motivated.”
Iyamu reaction followed allegations by a Benin social cultural group, Aigubuosinmwin Movement Worldwide has accused the aspirant of offence pushing for the creation of Toru-Ebe and Anioma states.
Speaking in a statement on Tuesday, Iyamu said he “categorically and unequivocally” rejects the allegations, insisting that at no time has he supported or aligned with any agenda capable of undermining the territorial integrity of Benin land or its people.
“These claims are false and deliberately designed to mislead the public and inflame ethnic sentiments,” he said.
The aspirant further dismissed attempts to associate him with the controversial proposals, describing them as laughable and driven by political desperation.
“It is particularly laughable that any individual or group would attempt to link me with such proposals for their own political relevance and survival,” Iyamu stated.
Reacting to claims about his family background, Iyamu condemned what he described as a descent into irresponsible politics.
“The attempt to drag personal family background into political discourse is disgraceful. For the avoidance of doubt, my mother is not of Ijaw origin, and such claims only expose the desperation of those behind this smear campaign,” he added.
Iyamu also clarified that his political ambition is self-driven and not sponsored. “The insinuation that my ambition is being funded is both false and insulting. I do not require sponsorship from any quarters. I am an accomplished businessman who rose through the banking sector and expanded into oil and gas through hard work and enterprise,” he said.
While affirming his collaboration with key stakeholders, including Hon. Omosede Igbinedion and Hon. Billy Osawaru, Iyamu reiterated his commitment to the unity and progress of the Benin nation.
“My aspiration is driven by a genuine commitment to service, integrity, and the advancement of Edo people, not by any clandestine or sectional interests,” he noted.
He urged the public and APC leaders in Edo South to disregard what he termed malicious fabrications and focus on development-driven discourse.
“Politics should not be reduced to propaganda or emotional manipulation. While we will not be distracted, we reserve the right to pursue all lawful means to protect our integrity,” Iyamu said.
