Prince Kassim Afegbua, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) transition committee in Edo State, has issued a caution regarding the recruitment of 4,000 teachers by the outgoing administration of Mr. Godwin Obaseki, advising those affected to disregard the process.
In a statement, Afegbua characterized the recruitment as an attempt to “overburden the system and set traps for the incoming administration led by Senator Monday Okpebholo.” He asserted that this move further validates the APC’s stance that the EdoBest project was merely a facade, not genuinely aimed at benefiting the Edo populace or its educational framework.
He accused Governor Obaseki of utilizing the educational initiative for his personal agenda, jeopardizing the future of the state’s children. “The outgoing governor’s alleged recruitment of 4,000 teachers is a disingenuous act. Throughout his term as the Chief Executive of Edo State, Governor Obaseki failed to recruit any teachers to enhance the educational landscape,” he stated.
Afegbua expressed disappointment over the sudden acknowledgment of the need for teachers so late in Obaseki’s tenure, urging the public, particularly those purportedly recruited, to see this initiative as another political maneuver by the governor, who has been accused of exploiting EdoBest to defraud citizens, the World Bank, and other funding organizations.
He contended that Obaseki’s actions were driven by self-interest rather than a genuine concern for the state’s educational needs. “Had he been committed to the welfare of the state, he would have initiated this recruitment much earlier,” Afegbua remarked.
He also recalled how Obaseki had abruptly terminated the employment of approximately 2,500 teachers hired by his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, upon taking office in 2016.
“The incoming administration of Senator Okpebholo will ensure that teacher recruitment follows proper protocols, as he consistently promised during his campaign. Senator Okpebholo will approach the hiring process without partisan bias, focused on improving the educational system in Edo State for the benefit of our children,” Afegbua concluded.
