The Real Agenda Behind Edo State’s School Closure: Unmasking Obaseki’s Deceptive Policies

The Real Agenda Behind Edo State’s School Closure: Unmasking Obaseki’s Deceptive Policies

The Edo State Government’s recent extension of the school resumption date, framed as a measure to protect children from fuel price hikes and alleged APC thuggery, is a transparent attempt to mislead the public and deflect from their own failures and deceit.

Initially, the government claimed that school closures were due to the increased cost of fuel, a claim that conveniently ignores the fact that Governor Obaseki has consistently profited from fuel price surges. Instead of using this revenue windfall, which includes over ₦17 billion monthly from FAAC and Internally Generated Revenue, to support families and mitigate the impact of fuel price hikes, Obaseki has chosen to exploit these crises for political gain. This shows a flagrant disregard for the welfare of Edo’s children and their education.

With the government’s credibility already in tatters, they’ve now shifted their narrative, accusing the APC of recruiting thugs to create chaos.

The sudden shift in narrative—accusing the APC of recruiting thugs—unveils the real motive behind this resumption extension. The true goal is to force our children to remain at home while the PDP unleashes mayhem across the streets of Edo. Innocent citizens, especially those suspected of supporting the APC, are now vulnerable to being tracked down, harassed, and attacked by PDP’s mercenary forces. Under the guise of “protecting children,” the PDP is scheming to clamp down on political opposition, using schools as a political chess piece.

We have already witnessed targeted violence against APC gatherings across Edo North, Edo Central, and other parts of the state, with PDP-affiliated thugs terrorizing our communities under government protection. The shameful celebration of the attack on APC members in Ososo is proof of this government’s violent intentions.

Beyond the violence, the economic consequences of these school closures are devastating. Families who depend on the resumption of schools are left without income, and the ripple effects are staggering. The sale of books, uniforms, and educational supplies has ground to a halt. Food vendors who make a living from school traffic have seen their income evaporate. Transport services, cleaners, security workers, and countless others who rely on school-related activities are being plunged into hardship. All this because of a government determined to use our children’s future as a pawn in its dirty political games.

Governor Obaseki, his administration, and their puppet candidate Asue Ighodalo must be exposed for the charlatans they are. Their strategy is to keep Edo’s children at home while they orchestrate violent attacks on innocent citizens, terrorizing those who dare to support the APC.

The people of Edo must not fall for these tricks. We see through the lies, and we will not allow this government to succeed in their campaign of fear and deception. The APC remains committed to protecting the rights of Edo citizens and ensuring the safety and future of our children.

Signed,

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah

Director

APC New Media Directorate