Edo Govt: Why School Resumption Date Was Extended
From Imafidon OSAZUA (Benin)
Edo State Government on Tuesday, gave reasons why it decided to extend the resumption of school in the state. Pupils and student in public and private schools in the state were supposed to resume on Monday, September 9 only to be extended by the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
The extension drew flak from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), who condemned the extension, arguing that the latest plan by Governor Obaseki to shut down Edo State starting from 15th September, was to organise mass protest where other PDP-controlled states would join the protest, with a view to inviting the military to take over the reins of power at the Federal level.
Accordingly to the APC Media Campaign Director, Prince Kassim Afegbua in a statement in Benin-City, "Obaseki informed a meeting at Government House that other PDP-controlled states would postpone the resumption dates of schools to orchestrate a nation-wide protest that would lead to military take-over.
"He (Obaseki) reportedly told them that, he would rather disrupt the country for change of government than to lose Edo state to the opposition APC.
He said that was why he decided to postpone school resumption date and that other PDP-controlled states would follow suit starting from this week."
Addressing a press briefing however, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, said "government decided to extend school resumption date to ensure the safety and well-being of our children."
Accordingly to him, "This decision is rooted in our deep commitment to protecting our children from all forms of danger including the possible consequences of the astronomical increase in the price of fuel as well as the concomitant increase in cost of living."
Besides, Nehikhare said intelligence report available to government alleged APC has imported armed thugs with a view to cause mayhem in the state.
"We are also mindful of the intelligence report we received about the threats posed by the APC, who have reportedly imported and armed thugs that are causing mayhem across the state.
"Because the safety of our children is paramount we do not want to take any chances hence we are keeping our children in the safety of their homes until we diffuse the situation softly.
"The APC's actions, including their reckless behaviour that has resulted in the shooting of innocent individuals, raise serious alarms.
We believe that these actions are part of a desperate strategy to instigate a state of emergency and shift the blame onto the PDP.
"We also want to clarify that apart from the public holidays on Monday and Friday, we have implemented mechanisms to ensure that any learning loss during this extended period will be effectively addressed.
Our commitment to our children's education remains unwavering, and we will work diligently to regain any lost instructional time.
"Our priority is the safety and education of our children.
We will continue to take necessary measures to protect our communities and ensure that our schools are safe environments for learning.
"We urge the public to remain vigilant and to work together to maintain peace and stability in Edo State", Nehikhare declared.
