RIVALRY between Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and General Charles Airhiavbere, the standard-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in next weekend’s election, boiled over, on Thursday, with an allegation by the former that the latter was detained by the Army authorities for three months over the handling of funds earmarked for the rehabilitation of military health centres across the country.

The allegation was made in Benin City during a three-hour televised debate organised by the Nigerian Elections Debate Group for candidates of three shortlisted political parties for the July 14 governorship election, namely Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

Responding to a question by one of the panelists, Mr Ide Eguabor, on how he left the Army, the PDP standard-bearer, Airhiavbere, had said he retired with an unblemished record, adding: “In fact, if I wish to return to the Army tomorrow, they would be too happy to take me back.”

But the ACN candidate, Governor Oshiomhole, took exception to Airhiavbere’s response.

He said: “I think the account of my brother from PDP (Airhiavbere) does not add up. In one breath, you told us you had your stay extended by one year, in another breath, you said you retired voluntarily.

“You have not told us the truth. We have records of how you left the Army. We can request the Army authorities to make this public. Weren’t you detained for three months over the mismanagement of funds meant for rehabilitation of military health centres across the country, including the one in Benin? Didn’t you have to make a refund before you were allowed to leave the Army? Why are you not telling the people the truth?”

The PDP candidate didn’t respond to the claims made by Oshiomhole when he was given five minutes by the moderator, Ms. Jire Kuforiji, to round off his presentation. Rather, he made a speech, in which he said if elected, he would transform the state.

Earlier, the controversy over alleged N10 billion estate owned by Oshiomhole in his native town of Iyamho was rekindled.

Asked by one of the panelists, Mrs Nancy Illoh, for his defence, the governor said: “Is it only the N10 billion estate they said I own? They also said I own a big estate here in Benin City and another big hotel in Lagos. But the truth is that I am extending my house in Iyamho

which I had built in 1991 with a four-bedroom building which I intend to use as a guest house.

“What baffles me is how a four-bedroom building that is still under construction, not yet roofed, with the sky-folding made of local bamboo trees, could now amount to N10 billion. How? It shows how unserious PDP can be in trying to destroy my hard-earned reputation. In any case, my country-home at Iyamho is contained in the asset declaration form which I filled and submitted.”

Comments (3)

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written by Gold, July 07, 2012

I still don't understand why Oshiomhole is acting like a real small boy....Oshiomhole is a thief and better for you not to criticise any of your running mate let your hand work speak for you....YOU ARE A COWARD

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written by emmanuelbfakorode, July 07, 2012

PDP what are your comments about the allegation on your candidate in Edo State. Where are you the Code of Conduct Bureau or relevant Agency who should bring this revelation to the attention of INEC? Otherwise, INEC should be prepared to face court action after the election for allowing Gen Airhiavbere to participate in the election.

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written by Mique, July 07, 2012

I wonder why Charles did not respond to that. However, he did not seem to respond to any of Adams' direct accusations all through the debate and to have used the last five minutes to respond to one issue would have been counter-productive to his entire debate. Moreover, how can a military personnel who was under "house arrest for 3 months" according to Oshiomhole, be cleared by INEC to contest an election. Is that not suicidal. If he wins, will he not have litigations as high as Olumo rock?

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