The Edo State Government on monday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) vituperations over Godwin Obaseki administration suggest a deeper issue as they appear unprepared for the challenges of governance as the incoming government.
The state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare made the remark while responding to the APC accusing the outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki of attempting to burden the incoming administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo with the recruitment of 4,000 teachers.
Nehikhare said Afegbua’s remarks highlight a lack of understanding of the current political landscape.
“Prince Kassim Afegbua seek to undermine the recruitment of dedicated teachers for Edo children. These educators are essential for advancing the transformative Edobest programme, which has made significant strides in improving educational standards in our state.
“Afegbua’s remarks are not only vacuous but also highlight a lack of understanding of the current political landscape.
“The qualified teachers who have recently been engaged were not appointed on a whim; they began the application process months ago, long before the recent elections. This demonstrates the commitment of the current administration to ensure that our educational system is staffed with competent professionals who are prepared to serve our children.”
He said the repeated vituperations from the APC suggest a deeper issue as they appear unprepared for the challenges ahead and are resorting to excuses to mask their potential failures adding that, “this pattern of behaviour is not conducive to fostering a constructive dialogue about education in Edo State.
Nehikhare urged the people of Edo, particularly teachers, parents, and students, to dismiss these unfortunate comments saying, ” It is crucial to recognize that our government is committed to upholding the constitution and prioritizing the welfare of our children over the whims of individuals. “
In a statement by Kassim Afegbua, on behalf of the APC’s transition committee, the APC had alleged that Governor Obaseki’s education reform initiative, EdoBest, was merely a facade.
Afegbua said that the project was driven by Obaseki’s personal interests rather than a genuine commitment to improving education in Edo State.
“The recruitment of 4,000 teachers at this stage of his administration shows bad faith,” Afegbua said, arguing that Obaseki neglected the education sector throughout his eight-year tenure. It is disappointing that only in the final months of his administration does he now see the need for teachers.”
Afegbua urged those recently hired as teachers to dismiss the recruitment as a political maneuver.
The APC reassured the public that Senator Okpebholo’s administration would approach teacher recruitment responsibly and without political bias saying, “Using teacher recruitment as a political tool is a disservice and a poor legacy for any governor to leave behind,” Afegbua stated.