The Edo State Commissioner of Communication and Orientation, and member of the State Transition Committee, Chris Osa Nehikhare, has lampooned the statement credited to Prince Kassim Afegbua, which he says seeks to undermine the recruitment of teachers in the State.
According to Chris Nehikhare in a press statement made available to the Press yesterday in Benin City the Edo State capital, he observed that Afegbua’s statement portrays a lack of understanding of the current political climate.
“It is both laughable and concerning to witness the recent comments made by Prince Kassim Afegbua, which 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. His statement is amusing on several fronts…
“It is important to remind Afegbua and his cohorts 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 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.
“The repeated vituperations from the APC suggest a deeper issue—they appear unprepared for the challenges ahead and are resorting to excuses to mask their potential failures. This pattern of behaviour is not conducive to fostering a constructive dialogue about education in Edo State.
He therefore urged the Edo State people to disregard what he described as an unfortunate statement.
“We urge the people of Edo, particularly teachers, parents, and students, to dismiss these unfortunate comments. 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.
“Let us continue to focus on the positive progress being made in our education system and support the engaged and dedicated teachers who are working tirelessly to ensure a brighter future for our children.
