Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has decided to shake things up in the state’s educational and healthcare sectors. As of Wednesday, Okpebholo has dissolved the Governing Councils of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and all other state-owned tertiary institutions. Talk about making an entrance, Okpebholo seems determined to let everyone know that he’s in charge and not afraid to make drastic changes.
The announcement, made by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua, did not provide any concrete reasons for the dissolution, leaving the public to speculate. It’s more like shaking the foundation of the educational system just because you can. But hey, maybe Okpebholo thinks it’s a necessary clean slate or perhaps, he’s just living up to the high expectations of his administration, which is still new to many.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Governor also approved the immediate disengagement of the management staff at both the Edo Specialist Hospital and the Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City. So, it’s not just the schools that are feeling the heat, healthcare facilities are also getting a shake-up. The reasoning? Itua’s announcement instructs the dismissed staff to hand over all government properties in their possession to the heads of the institutions. No room for debate just pack up and go.
“Accordingly, all affected members of the Governing Councils of all State-owned Tertiary Institutions are to hand over all Government properties in their possession to their respective Heads of the Institutions.
“It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the disengagement of the Management Staff of Edo Specialist Hospital and Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin City with immediate effect.
“In view of the above, the Management Staff of the aforementioned hospitals are to hand over all Government properties in their possession to the most senior officer in their various Institutions.”
While it’s clear that Okpebholo has an agenda, the lack of transparency regarding the reasons behind these decisions has left us wondering.. Could this be part of a larger strategy to clean house, or is it a strategy aimed at consolidating control over Edo’s educational and healthcare systems? The absence of any explanation doesn’t help to calm nerves, and, of course, speculation is running wild.
Okpebholo is making sure that everybody knows he’s in charge now, and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to leave his mark on Edo State.
