Edo teachers’ recruitment attempt to create problems for Okpebholo -Afegbua

A member of the APC Transition Committee, Prince Kassim Afegbua, has said the recruitment of 4,000 teachers by Gov. Godwin Obaseki was deliberate to destabilise the incoming government of Sen. Monday Okpebholo.

In a statement on Sunday in Benin, Afegbua saidthat the recruitment of 4,000 teachers by the outgoing governor was ill-intentioned.

It would be recalled that the Edo government recently recruited over 5,000 teachers to enhance learning.

The Executive Chairman of Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) said that the over 5000 teachers recruited would boost the workforce and enhance learning processes.

Afegbua said, “This move further validated our stance that the EdoBest project was not intended for the benefit of Edo people or its educational system.

“Throughout his tenure as Chief Executive of Edo State, Governor Obaseki failed to hire any teacher to bolster the state’s educational interests.

“We are dismayed by this sudden awareness, at the end of his administration, that the educational sector is in need of teachers.

“It is crucial to inform the public, especially those recruited as teachers, to dismiss this exercise as yet another political scheme,” he said.

According to him, if his intentions were genuine, this recruitment should have taken place much earlier.

He said, “we recall how his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, recruited 2,500 teachers towards the end of his term.

“A process governor Obaseki abruptly cancelled in 2016, driven by animosity towards those who had supported him.

Afegbua added that the incoming administration of Sen. Okpebholo was committed to following due process in teachers’ recruitment, as he consistently emphasised throughout his campaign.

He explained that Okpebholo’s approach to hiring teachers would prioritise merit and the best interests of Edo’s children, avoiding partisan motives.

“Playing politics with education is a legacy no governor should aspire to leave behind,” he added.

Reacting, Chris Nehikhare, the state commissioner for information and orientation, said Afegbua’s comments seek to undermine the recruitment of dedicated teachers for Edo children.

Nehikhare noted that the educators were essential for advancing the transformative Edobest program, which had made significant strides in improving educational standards in the state.

“Afegbua’s remarks highlight a lack of understanding of the current political landscape.

”It is important to note that, according to the Nigerian constitution, only one governor holds authority at any given time.

”Until November 12, they lack the power to influence policy decisions. Hence, their attempts to dictate educational policy are not only premature but also legally unfounded.”

The commissioner explained that the qualified teachers who were recently engaged were not appointed on a whim but began the application process long before the governorship election.

According to him, this demonstrates the commitment of the current administration to ensure that our educational system is staffed with competent professionals.

He urges Edo people, particularly teachers, parents, and students, to dismiss Afegbua’s comments.