- Safiu Kehinde
Edo state governor, Monday Okpebholo, has slammed his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, over his alleged refusal to distribute books with President Bola Tinubu’s picture.
In what he described as act of wickedness, Okpebholo expressed his disappointment with Obaseki while commissioning the distribution of the books on Tuesday at New Era College in the state’s capital city, Benin, on Monday.
The governor condemned his predecessor’s action while ordering immediate distribution of the books.
“For such warehouse filled with books printed by the President of the Federal Republic. Because of the wickedness of our former governor, he said that these books will not be distributed to schools.
“For me, it is wrong, and we are here to distribute these books to the school children.” Okpebolo said.
According to report, the governor also inspected some of the abandoned and deteriorating strucures at the New Era Grammar school while criticising the educational policies of the past administration.
He described Obaseki’s Edobest programme as the worst form of education the state has ever experienced.
Also speaking on the commissioning of the book, the chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Paddy Emmanuel, recounted how Obaseki deliberately withheld the books.
“The then government said since the face of the President is there, no Edo child should use it. So, it was hoarded and upon assumption in office, his excellency (Okpebholo) was briefed, and he said all Edo children must benefit from the kind gesture of Mr. President.” the SUBEB chairman said.