BENIN CITY – The Diaspora Akpakomiza Movement (DAM) has accused Bishop Desmond Osazuwa and Tony Nigro of launching a smear campaign against Dr. Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, Director-General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, describing their actions as blackmail motivated by greed and self-interest.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its spokesperson, Evangelist Oduagbon Eddison Erhaighewu, the group dismissed as “baseless and without merit” a purported vote of no confidence circulated through a paid broadcast by the duo.
DAM said that Osazuwa and Nigro lack any mandate from Edo people to speak on their behalf, questioning the legitimacy of their claims.
“What polling or credible data did they rely on to claim a loss of confidence in the DG? Their assertions are hollow and cannot stand,” the group declared, adding that the men were simply seeking political relevance and financial patronage from the state government.
The group further alleged that Osazuwa and Nigro, after years abroad without sustainable livelihoods, were now resorting to blackmail tactics under the guise of activism.
Reaffirming its support for Dr. Ogboro-Okor, DAM praised her efforts to unite Edo indigenes in the diaspora with their home state.
It pointed to the upcoming Global Investment Summit in Scotland, scheduled for September 20–22, as one of her key achievements.
Governor Monday Okpebholo is expected to attend the event as chief host, with investors from across the globe set to engage with Edo stakeholders.
DAM urged Edo citizens in the UK and worldwide to ignore the “distractions of political opportunists” and participate fully in the summit, which is aimed at attracting critical investments to the state.
“The DG has our full support. Edo people at home and abroad appreciate her service. No smear campaign will derail her mission,” the statement added.
