Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has been faithful to his promises to ensure equitable justice, provision of humane leadership and good governance in the state, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu said.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ohonbamu in a statement in Benin City, called on Edo people to discountenance the propaganda of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to tarnish the image of the Governor Okpebholo led administration.
The Commissioner noted that the PDP goofed in all the accusations made recently and will not tell the people how the Okpebholo administration has earned accolades for resolving a long-standing two-year delayed induction of 810 nursing graduates into the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
“This achievement is a demonstration of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s deep commitment to the welfare of the average Edo student, especially as it relates to their future and service both to Edo state and the world at large.
The Governor believes that the place of a nurse in any society cannot be overlooked due to the critical role they play in the lives of the entire populace and this has attracted significant recognition to the State Government for its passion and commitment towards the educational sector.
He added: “In the same vein, the PDP goofed when the monthly subvention to the Ambrose Alli University, AAU Ekpoma was politicized by the PDP Publicity Secretary, Chris Osa Nehikhare in a release captioned,”After three months, Okpebholo fails to redeem N500m monthly subvention pledge to AAU”.
But a statement from the Management of AAU disclosed that, “The press release attributed to Chris Osa Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee lacks substance and facts. Ordinarily, we wouldn’t respond to such politicized issues, but we must set the record straight.
According to Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information and Public Relations, “There’s no truth in the author’s claims. One would expect the author to have sought information from relevant government agencies, utilizing the Freedom of Information Act.
“Governor Okpebholo’s administration has kept its promise regarding the N500 million monthly subvention. Despite the pronouncement being made mid-November 2024, the Governor ensured full payment for that month. Since then, the University has consistently received the monthly subvention.
Otunba Aladenika added, “We’ve been paid up to date, with no outstanding salaries. The February salary was paid, March 7. The delay was due to technical issues, now resolved.
We are appreciative that Governor Okpebholo’s administration has been faithful to its promises. The facts are verifiable, and we encourage stakeholders to seek accurate information.
It is also pertinent to note that, contrary to the author’s views, the recall of sacked and victimized staff was done in good faith to correct past injustices at the University. Notably, none of the staff members reinstated were accused, tried, and found guilty of ‘sex for marks.’ Allegations without proof are insufficient.
Governor Okpebholo’s decision was a humane attempt to rectify the gross injustices, victimization, and lack of fair hearing perpetrated by the previous administration against the affected staff.
I hereby confirm that we have been receiving our monthly subvention since November 2024 and up to date. On behalf of the Governing Council, University Management, Staff and Students of Ambrose Alli University, I wish to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency and the Government of Edo State for the support which has changed the trajectory of AAU to progress, growth and development.”
The Commissioner noted that from these facts it is clear that the very month of November when Governor Okpebholo promised that he would pay the subvention was when he started paying and this shows fidelity to promise and the issue of the nursing students now to be inducted after two years shows the Governor is turning things around for the good of Edo people.
