The Edo State Government has attributed the extension of the school resumption date to alleged actions by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of importing thugs and undesirable elements into the state to cause unrest.
The government stated that this precautionary measure was taken to ensure the safety and security of students.
It further explained that due to the recent dramatic increase in fuel prices and intelligence reports about the alleged influx of thugs by the APC, it was necessary to delay the September 9, 2024, resumption date for all public and private schools until it is deemed safe for students.
In response, the opposition APC dismissed this justification, claiming that the Edo State Government’s decision was part of a strategy to organize mass protests in conjunction with other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-controlled states, with the aim of prompting military intervention at the federal level.
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Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chis Nehikhare, provided the government’s rationale for the postponed school resumption, while Kassim Afegbua, APC Governorship Council Media Campaign Director, spoke on behalf of the party.
Students in both public and private schools in the state were initially scheduled to resume on Monday, September 9, but this date has been extended by the state government.
Addressing a press conference in Benin on Tuesday, Nehikhare said “The government decided to extend the school resumption date to ensure the safety and well-being of our children.”
According 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 stated that intelligence reports available to the government allege that the APC has imported armed thugs with the intention of causing 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 appealed.
Afegbua, who had earlier reacted to the extension of the school resumption date, condemned the move, 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.
According to Afegbua, “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 a 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.”
Also reacting to the allegation that APC imported thugs to the state, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, said that the party had no reason to do so.
“We don’t have any reason to import thugs into the state when our children are eager to go to classes to learn.
“We the parents have paid school fees, bought book uniforms for the children to go back to school and they are enthusiastic.
“There is no reason for any sane person to postpone the resumption. On what basis is the APC importing thugs into the state?
“We have been campaigning like every other political party that means well for Edo, and we cannot use thugs to attack those we want their votes.
“Everyone has accepted us as the new face of Edo. The people have been in darkness for the past eight years and the light has come through the APC.
“We have been campaigning for a free, fair and credible election. All we want is an election devoid of violence, rancour and bias.
This unfounded allegation is one of the political gimmicks of the PDP because they have lost direction.” He submitted.
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