The Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki of attempting to burden the incoming administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo with the recruitment of 4,000 teachers.
The APC claims this last-minute recruitment is a calculated move to create obstacles for the new government.
In a statement signed by Kassim Afegbua, on behalf of the APC’s transition committee, the party alleged that Governor Obaseki’s education reform initiative, EdoBest, was merely a facade. According to Afegbua, 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 manoeuvre.
He noted that Obaseki’s actions echoed his refusal to continue the recruitment initiated by his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who had hired 2,500 teachers at the end of his administration in 2016.
The APC reassured the public that Senator Okpebholo’s administration would approach teacher recruitment responsibly and without political bias. Afegbua affirmed that the incoming administration is committed to improving the state’s educational system by hiring qualified teachers through transparent processes, as promised throughout Okpebholo’s campaign.
“Using teacher recruitment as a political tool is a disservice and a poor legacy for any governor to leave behind,” Afegbua stated.
Responding, the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said Afegbua’s remarks highlight a lack of understanding of the current political landscape.
“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”, he said.
