By Mercy Akuba
The Edo State Government has dismissed claims made by the acclaimed Chairman of the Conference of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), Mr. Isibor, regarding the recent tear gas incident at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, insisting that only 17 children were affected and not 50 as alleged.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Prince Kassim Afegbua, disclosed this during the state’s monthly press briefing attended by journalists In the state.
Afegbua explained that all 17 children affected by the incident were promptly taken to hospital on the same day, with 15 discharged after receiving treatment, while the remaining two were discharged the following day.
“How could Isibor be peddling such falsehood just to attract attention? The records are there for everyone to verify,” he said.
The commissioner also dismissed allegations that the state government was owing teachers’ salaries, describing the claim as an attempt to tarnish the image of the administration.
“Edo State Government is not owing teachers. If there is any individual who has not been paid, there may be specific reasons that need to be investigated. But as a government, we are not owing teachers,” he stated.
According to him, Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration regularized the appointments of over 5,000 teachers who were previously engaged as casual workers by the immediate past administration.
He added that the government had also recruited 2,500 health workers and 2,500 members of the Edo State Security Corps.
Afegbua said the recruitment exercise demonstrates the administration’s commitment to improving service delivery and creating employment opportunities for residents.
Addressing criticisms that the governor was concentrating development projects in his hometown of Udomi, Afegbua said such claims were politically motivated and failed to recognize the government’s statewide development agenda.
“We are proud to have a governor who is developing every part of Edo State, whether it is a village, community, or hamlet. If he neglected his hometown, the same critics would accuse him of abandoning it after leaving office,” he said.
He noted that the administration is executing projects across the three senatorial districts while also opening up rural communities through road infrastructure to boost economic activities and improve security.
According to him, many rural areas possess vast arable land capable of attracting investors interested in commercial agriculture, making infrastructure development essential.
“If we open up these communities, investors can come in and complement government’s efforts in agriculture and other sectors. Government’s responsibility is to create an enabling environment for people to thrive,” he said.
Afegbua stressed that Edo State comprises 18 local government areas, all of which deserve equal attention irrespective of their location.
“As long as a community falls within the geographical boundaries of Edo State, it is our responsibility to cater for its people, both the vulnerable and the elite. Leadership requires balancing development and ensuring that government actions positively impact the well-being of citizens,” he added.
The commissioner further revealed that opening up Udomi and surrounding communities had enhanced security in the area, which was previously exploited by kidnappers due to its vast uninhabited landmass.
“Because of the large expanse of undeveloped land, kidnappers had turned the area into a hideout. By opening up the roads and improving access, we have successfully chased them away from the area,” he said.
He reiterated that Governor Okpebholo’s administration remains focused on equitable development, security, and economic growth across all parts of Edo State despite criticisms from political opponents.