Above were the charges levelled against the ruling All Progressives Congress, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki by main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State on Sunday, saying: “This policy is fraught with grave danger and we demand an immediate reversal.”
PDP, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Nehikhare questioned what it called the government’s unlawful closure of the College of Education, Iguoriakhi, Edo State of Nigeria.
“We are dismayed by the recent announcement that the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, Edo State, has been closed down and the employment of all its academic and non academic staff terminated. All sacked!
“Following the unlawful closure of the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, on 8th August, 2017, by armed policemen on the orders of the Godwin Obaseki led APC State Government, the body of academic and non-academic workers as well as students sued Edo State Government and others in Suit no NICN/BEN/08/2018 at the National Industrial Court, Akure.
“The case was adjourned to 7th June, 2018 for arguments on the claimants’ Motion for a Mandatory order to reopen the College pending the determination of the substantive suit before the court.”
The opposition party also accused the Obaseki administration of abuse of power for the alleged termination of employment of all staff members of the institution when its action was challenged in court.
“In total contempt of the judiciary and in a clear case of Obstruction of Justice, Edo State Government went ahead to announce the termination of employment of all staff members of the institution. This “slap in the face” of the judiciary must be condemned and resisted.”
Edo PDP said it was worried by what is now becoming a pattern, “a systematic denial of Edo state indigenes (especially in the Edo South zone) of educational facilities to develop and improve themselves and their skills. Edo South is facing an Education Holocaust!”
It went on to provide a catalogue of what it regards as the evil deeds of Edo State government in the pursuit of its education policy:
“First it was the College of Education, Ekiadolor, Edo State. Governor Obaseki and his Handler, ex-gov Adams Oshiomhole, conspired to deceive and con Edo South leaders.
“They have not been able to explain to the people why Tayo Akpata University of Education Ekiadolor, proclaimed and signed into law same day as Adams Oshiomhole’s University in Iyamoh has not been approved by NUC even though it already had structures and staff in place but Iyamoh university has been built from scratch, accredited and admitting students and soon to graduate its first set.
“They then went after the State School of Nursing in Benin City: Closed! The Institute of Continuing Education, ICE, Benin City: Closed! And evidence abounds that the Polytechnic in Usen also in Edo South is their next target.”
According to the rival party, since the APC government’s ascension to power in 2008, Edo State has suffered closure upon closure of private schools, sack of teachers, education instructors and providers, and criminal increment of school fees and levies.
PDP further accused the government of insensitivity to the plight of parents and guardians and that people were deliberately pauperized, put in a traumatized state so that they can be manipulated and their votes purchased on election days.
