Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has shed light on how he increased the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, monthly subvention from N41 million to N500 million immediately after assuming office.
The governor said this was part of deliberate efforts to reposition the institution from the near ruins he met the institution.
Governor Okpebholo who spoke on Thursday when students and others recently released following their arrest in connection with the Ekpoma protest said he was, “highly in pain when I saw what was happening in my place.”
Addressing the gathering, Governor Okpebholo said he was deeply pained by the violent turn the protest took, especially given his strong commitment to the revival of Ambrose Alli University.
“They were paying light bill, water, printing, salaries and everything from N41 million, and N41 million is not enough for anything at all. But on record, one consultant was receiving N59 million under the last administration, while the entire university community was receiving N41 million.”
He posited: “The day I was sworn in, I said I was going to revive Ambrose Alli University.”
While assuring the students of his administration’s commitment to dialogue, reform and the overall development of the university and the state, he noted it has been about how to revive the school, move it forward and to reposition it again since he assumed office.
Governor Okpebholo cautioned students against allowing themselves to be used by criminal elements, urging them to focus on their studies.
He acknowledged the security challenges facing Ekpoma and other parts of the country, stressing that insecurity is a collective problem that requires collective responsibility.
“The same way you are afraid of your life, is the same way I am afraid of my life. Kidnappers do not know the status of anybody and so It’s a common problem we all have,” he stressed.
The governor, however, noted that investigations by security agencies showed that many of those involved in criminal activities around Ekpoma were indigenes of the area.
Governor Okpebholo condemned the destruction of shops and looting of properties during the protest, describing it as counterproductive.
He appealed to the students and youths to embrace peace and constructive engagement, assuring them that criminals would not be allowed to have a hiding place in Edo State.
The governor further revealed that outstanding salaries and wage arrears owed to AAU staff amount to about N41 billion, adding that his administration is working out modalities to gradually offset the debt.
Felix Omoh-Asun
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