BENIN CITY – The Diaspora Akpakomiza Movement (DAM) has accused Bishop Desmond Osazuwa and Tony Nigro of orchestrating a smear campaign against Dr. Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, Director-General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, describing their actions as blackmail driven by greed and self-interest.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its spokesperson, Evangelist Oduagbon Eddison Erhaighewu, DAM dismissed as “baseless and without merit” a purported vote of no confidence circulated through a paid broadcast by the duo.
The group insisted that Osazuwa and Nigro had no mandate from Edo people to speak on their behalf, questioning the credibility of their claims.
“What polling or credible data did they rely on to declare a loss of confidence in the DG? Their assertions are hollow and cannot stand,” DAM stated, stressing that the men were merely seeking political relevance and financial favors from the state government.
DAM further alleged that after years abroad without sustainable livelihoods, the duo had resorted to blackmail under the guise of activism.
Reaffirming its support for Dr. Ogboro-Okor, the group commended her efforts to unite Edo indigenes in the diaspora with their home state.
It highlighted the upcoming Global Investment Summit in Scotland (September 20–22) as one of her major achievements. Governor Monday Okpebholo is expected to attend as chief host, alongside global investors and Edo stakeholders.
DAM urged Edo citizens in the UK and beyond to ignore the “distractions of political opportunists” and participate fully in the summit, which is geared toward 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 concluded.
