Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has accused his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, of withholding books donated by President Bola Tinubu from schoolchildren in the state.
In a scathing statement on Monday, Okpebholo alleged that the books, featuring President Tinubu’s image on their covers, were deliberately left undistributed by Obaseki’s administration.
Obaseki, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), served as governor before Okpebholo took office.
Okpebholo described the situation as “an act of wickedness” and vowed to rectify the alleged neglect of the state’s education system.
During a visit to New Era College in Benin City, the state capital, the governor launched a statewide initiative to remodel schools and distribute the withheld books.
“These books were generously donated by President Tinubu for the benefit of Edo’s children,” Okpebholo said.
“But they were locked away in a warehouse because of petty political reasons. That is wickedness of the highest order.”
The governor’s remarks came as he supervised the distribution of notebooks, textbooks, and other educational materials in Benin City.
He announced that the books would be sent to all 18 local government areas across the state.
The initiative, he said, is part of a broader effort to address the glaring infrastructural decay in Edo’s public schools.
“The state of our education system is unacceptable,” Okpebholo declared.
“At New Era College, we saw children sitting on the floor in classrooms that lacked basic facilities. This neglect cannot continue.”
He directed the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to immediately begin renovating the school.
The governor was accompanied by top officials, including SUBEB Chairman Paddy Iyamu and former Oredo Federal Constituency Representative Omoregie Ogbiede-Ihama.
The entourage visited New Era College, a school for young athletes built by the late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, a former governor of Old Bendel State.
Okpebholo expressed outrage at the condition of the school and the neglect it had suffered under the previous administration.
“Classrooms are in ruins, and children sit on the bare floor to learn,” he said.
“This school belongs to the children of Edo, and we are committed to giving it a complete facelift within the next few weeks.”
He emphasized the urgent need to provide quality education for the state’s youth, criticizing Obaseki for prioritizing politics over the welfare of students.
“The warehouse is full of books that could have changed lives, but they were withheld because of political differences,” Okpebholo said.
“We cannot allow such actions to go unaddressed. Our children deserve better.”
Okpebholo also used the occasion to praise President Tinubu for his support of Edo’s education sector.
“I want to thank President Tinubu for his generosity,” he said.
“The donated books are a testament to his commitment to education, and we are proud to distribute them to the children of Edo.”
The governor promised to roll out additional initiatives aimed at improving education and infrastructure in the state.
“The remodeling of schools is just the beginning,” he said.
“We are determined to build a brighter future for our children and ensure that no student is left behind.”
Okpebholo’s remarks have drawn sharp reactions, with many calling for accountability over the alleged withholding of the books.
Some citizens criticized Obaseki’s administration, describing the claims as a reflection of poor governance and misplaced priorities.
Others have commended Okpebholo’s efforts to address the situation, urging him to ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution of resources.
The first phase of the school remodeling project will target eight schools across Edo’s three senatorial districts, Okpebholo announced.
The governor’s bold statements and actions underscore his determination to overhaul Edo’s education system and hold his predecessor accountable for past failures.
“This is about the future of our children,” Okpebholo said.
“We will not let politics stand in the way of their success.”
