Senator Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, has welcomed Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma students who were recently freed after being detained in connection with the Ekpoma protest.
Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Monday Okpebholo’s chief press secretary, said in a statement on Thursday that the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the institution while cautioning against violence.
AAU students, government representatives, and other important stakeholders attended the governor’s speech at a stakeholders’ engagement in the Banquet Hall of Government House in Benin City.
Speaking to the crowd, Okpebholo expressed his deep sadness about the protest’s violent turn, especially considering his long-standing dedication to repositioning Ambrose Alli University.
“When I realized what was going on in my place, I was in excruciating pain. The governor stated, “I promised to revitalize Ambrose Alli University the day I took office.
He described the finance mechanism he encountered on the ground as unsustainable and criticized it.
“They were spending ₦41 million on salaries, printing, water, light bills, and other expenses, and ₦41 million is insufficient for anything. However, under the previous administration, one consultant received ₦59 million, while the entire university community received ₦41 million, he continued.
Governor Okpebholo disclosed that as soon as he took office, his administration raised AAU’s monthly subsidy from ₦41 million to ₦500 million.
He stated, “Since then, it has been about how to revive the school, how to move the school forward, and how to reposition it again.”
Additionally, he revealed that there were approximately ₦41 billion in unpaid salary and wage arrears owed to AAU employees. He assured them that arrangements were being made to eventually balance the debt.
The governor advised students to put their studies first and warned them not to let criminal groups utilize them.
“He protests after someone claims he is a student. For what reason are you protesting? Avoid being exploited. He said, “Read your books to become like us.”
The governor stressed that insecurity was a national issue while acknowledging the difficulties with security in Ekpoma and around the nation.
“I fear my life in the same manner that you fear your life. Kidnappers don’t know anyone’s situation, so it’s a problem that affects everyone,” he said.
However, he disclosed that numerous illegal actions in the vicinity of Ekpoma engaged locals, according to security agency investigations.
“The majority of kidnapping instances in Ekpoma are local. Natives from Ekpoma were apprehended when troops and other security personnel entered the forest at night. Thus, we must examine the true nature of our adversary,” he continued.
Governor Okpebholo denounced as counterproductive the destruction of stores and property looting that occurred during the demonstration.
“People are starving, nothing is happening, and you are destroying properties and setting shops on fire.” Would you be pleased if it were yours? He inquired.
He promised that criminals would not find a place to hide in Edo State and urged young people and students to embrace peace.
“We must labor for Edo. Criminals won’t have a place to hide in our state, even if some of you are innocent,” he declared.
The governor used the ongoing renovation of the Benin-Auchi Road as an example of what peaceful engagement may accomplish. He explained that the project, which is estimated to be worth ₦135 billion, was approved soon after he brought the matter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s attention.
Dr. Paddy Iyamu, the Commissioner for Education, praised Governor Okpebholo for his prompt action, dedication to education, and choice to help free the detained pupils.
The governor was commended by other speakers for prioritizing the welfare of students and the university community and for opting for conversation over coercion.
The Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Mallam Gani Audu; the Minister of Youth; the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Youth Engagement; and other high-ranking government officials were present at the meeting.
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