A member of APC Transition Committee, Prince Kassim Afegbua, has said the recruitment of 4,000 teachers by Gov. Godwin Obaseki was deliberate to destabilize the incoming government of Sen. Monday Okpebholo.
In a statement on Sunday in Benin, Afegbua said that the recruitment of 4,000 teachers by the outgoing governor was ill-intentioned.
It would be recalled that 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 canceled in 2016, driven by animosity toward 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 programme, 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 urge Edo people, particularly teachers, parents, and students, to dismiss Afegbua’s comments. (NAN)
The Chairman of Northern Youth Wing Christians Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Musa Misal, has denied issuing any press statement in support of Rev Yakubu Pam, the former Northern CAN chairman, stating that their allegiance is with Rev John Joseph Hayab.
Misal in a statement issued to journalists said some people wrote an earlier statement and asked him to sign, but he refused because he was present when the State Chairmen in the 19 Northern States and FCT elected Rev John Joseph Hayab as their leader.
“I was present, live and direct when the State Chairmen and Secretaries, together with Christian Stakeholders, elected Rev Joseph John Hayab as chairman, an election that has brought joy and relief to many Christians in the region,” he said.
The Northern States YOWICAN and the general public should disregard the fake statement. We are children of God who will give account before God on the day of Judgement.
“I, therefore, wish to disassociate myself from the “Northern CAN Youth Wing Stands Firm for REV Pam ” press statement and also appeal to any of my colleagues that has allowed anyone to use him to stop henceforth.
“My appeal also goes to the former leaders to stop the desperation and join the joy of the moment with Rev Hayab as our New Chairman,” he added.
EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, their arrest follows credible intelligence linking them to fraudulent internet activities.
”Items recovered from them include seven exotic cars, laptop computers and phones.
”They have made useful statements and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” he said.
“As in the previous days, the night was quiet, and the pope is now resting,” a spokesman said.
The 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church has been in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for two weeks, where he is being treated for a severe bilateral pneumonia.
In recent days, Francis’ condition had slightly improved, according to official reports. Sources close to him revealed in the evening that he was “out of the most critical phase.”
The pope is receiving medication along with physiotherapy aimed at easing the respiratory infection, he is repeatedly being provided with extra oxygen through a face mask or a nasal tube.
This therapy is evidently effective as since the weekend, Francis has had no breathing difficulties, according to official reports. His blood values have also improved.
However, a discharge is not expected soon: “Given the complexity of the medical condition, further days of clinical stability are required,” an evening bulletin stated.
The pontiff has now been in hospital for longer than ever. Doctors still emphasise how dangerous such a severe pneumonia is at Francis’ age.
He was elected as the head of the Church in March 2013, succeeding the German Benedict XVI. Francis is now the second oldest pope in history.(dpa)
