A former commissioner for education and All Progressives Congress aspirant for House of Representatives in Edo State, Paddy Iyamu, and a socio-cultural group, Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide, have engaged in a war of words over allegations linking him to the agitation for the creation of proposed Toru Ebe and Anioma states.
The group had, at a press conference on Monday, called on the leadership of the Edo APC to refrain from granting party tickets to aspirants allegedly associated with the state creation campaign, describing such moves as a threat to the territorial integrity of Edo State.
It specifically named Iyamu, an aspirant for the Oredo Federal Constituency seat, and Mr Ndidi Aghimien, alleging that their backers were among the promoters of the proposed states.
Speaking on behalf of the group, its President, Iyamu Osaro, popularly called Culture, urged party leaders, particularly in Oredo and Orhionmwon local government areas, to reject any arrangement that would produce the aspirants as candidates, vowing to mobilise against such outcomes if ignored.
Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Iyamu dismissed the allegations as “reckless, baseless and politically motivated,” insisting that he had never supported or aligned with any agenda capable of undermining the territorial integrity of Benin land.
He described the claims as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, inflame ethnic sentiments and tarnish his reputation, adding that linking him to the proposed Toru Ebe and Anioma states was both false and laughable.
The aspirant further debunked claims about his family background, stating that his mother is not of Ijaw origin.
He accused his detractors of resorting to smear tactics borne out of desperation and fear of his growing popularity among constituents.
He said, “Let me also put it on record that I have remained in constant communication with Omosede Igbinedion and Billy Osawaru, member of the House of Representatives, in our shared commitment to defend, protect, and promote the interest of the Benin nation.
“The insinuation that my political ambition is being sponsored 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 the oil and gas industry through hard work and enterprise.
“Unlike my detractors, I am not in search of political benefactors to validate my ambition.
“It is evident that these attacks are being orchestrated by a desperate opponent who is jittery over the overwhelming support we continue to receive from the good people of Oredo.”
Reaffirming his commitment to the unity and development of Edo State, Iyamu urged APC leaders and the public to disregard the allegations.
He stressed that his ambition was driven by service, warning that he reserved the right to seek legal redress against defamatory claims.