A group known as the Coalition of Militant Generals, otherwise called Creek Generals. Have come out to debunk a viral online publication made against Comrade Daniel Ezekiel, the Senior Special Assistant(SSA) to the Governor of Delta State on Security Matters of vote buying for Governor Godwin Obaseki during the September 19th, 2020 governorship poll in Edo State. They described the allegation as false and that it cannot be substantiated.
The group made their position regarding the said publication known after a meeting held at Ofunama Community in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State stating that the publication was baseless, lacks credibility and was politically motivated.
The earlier publication made against the SSA alleged that he received money from his boss, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to be spent on electorates, with the aim of buying over their support in favour of the PDP candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The Niger Delta Militant Generals claimed that the publication against the SSA was fabricated with the intention of destroying the image of the illustrious son of Ijaw nation, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel. They asserted that they will not seat back and watch while some miscreants try to destroy the reputation and national image of the SSA.
General Pere Torupofa, who spoke to newsmen on behalf of the group, also hinted that it is a well accepted norm that money has to be considered as an integral factor in every election all around the world which was the case with the SSA during the said election.
He therefore, called on the general public to disregard the viral publication. And as well cautioned those behind it to desist from such act. As any other attempt to drag the name of the Ijaw Son in the mud will attract the wrath of the group.
“When lie is allowed to go unchallenged it becomes truth before public. Hence it is important that such a lie is been corrected. Which is why we the Coalition of Militant Generals drawn across three local government areas of Edo state. Deemed it expedient to reply to a misleading online publication that Comrade Daniel Ezekiel engaged in votes buying.
“It is a universal knowledge that there can not be an election without money, becasue how will candidates carry out campgain, printing of posters, advertisment on radio and television. What about mobilization of party faithfuls to various rallies that cut across the 18 local government areas of Edo state.
“In United States of America, whom the whole world sees as doyen of democracy, money is equally part and parcel of their election. Do we then call this votes buying too? The answer is no.
“Governor Ifeanyi Okowa being the Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP) South South Governors forum. Rallied his colleagues in the region to support one of their own, Governor Godwin Obaseki in various form. Just as all APC Governors led by Kano State Governor Abdulahi Ganduje, mobilized fund for defeated Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu.
“Based on the trust and confidence Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has in his aide, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel. He mobilized him with fund for people of riverine areas to move from creek to creek to sell his party candidate to the electorates, on why they should vote for Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“We all know that Ijaw parts of the state is a difficult terrain, which require speed boats to navigate. And to hire a single speed boat to convey party faithfuls from Benin city, Warri, Sapele, Yenagoa and Port Hacourt to places like Gelegele, Safarogbo, Inikorogha, Ofunama, Okomu, e.t.c. in Edo State cost nothing less than N400,000.
“So how does this amount to vote buying? Is only a foolish farmer that blame his unproductive harvest season on his farm tool. APC candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu lost woefully in his unit, ward and in the whole southern zone where he hailed from. If we may ask, is Comrade Daniel Ezekiel still responsible for this abysmal and monumental failure?
“The truth of the matter is that Pastor Izeyamu lost the election before the D-DAY, becasue his political god father, comrade Adams Oshihomole destroyed his image and reputation way back in 2016.
“It is so unfortunate that Honorable Blessing Perewari and her younger brother, Destiny Perewari from Ajakurama community, Ovia South West betrayed the trust Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s aide had in them. By releasing fund to them to mobilize party faithfuls down to their voting unit in Itagbene. But Instead of using the money for what it was meant for, they diverted it into their private pockets. Thereby putting additional cost and responsibility on Comrade Daniel Ezekiel, to mobilize party members to go home and vote for PDP.
“The opposition in Edo State should blame their failure on Adams Oshiomhole, who talks before thinking. Instead of engaging in shadow chasing of Comrade Daniel Ezekiel, whose records for kindness, justice and transparency is second to none.
“To you, Blessing Perewari and Destiny Perewari, we stand by what Comrade Daniel Ezekiel said in his official letters to various party leaders in the state, Governor Godwin Obaseki inclusive. That he wants his money back, becasue his boss would not have released fund to him if he is found wanting in character or show any sign of dishonesty.”
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