Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has received students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, and others who were recently released following their arrest in connection with the Ekpoma protest, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to dialogue, reform and the overall development of the university and the state.

The governor spoke during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Benin City, which brought together students of Ambrose Alli University, government officials and other critical stakeholders.

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.

“I was highly in pain when I saw what was happening in my place. The day I was sworn in, I said I was going to revive Ambrose Alli University.

“They were paying light bill, water, printing, salaries and everything from ₦41 million, and ₦41 million is not enough for anything at all. But on record, one consultant was receiving ₦59 million under the last administration, while the entire university community was receiving ₦41 million,” the governor stated.

He said he increased the university’s monthly subvention from ₦41 million to ₦500 million immediately after assuming office, as part of deliberate efforts to reposition the institution, adding: “Since then, it has been about how to revive the school, how to move the school forward and how to reposition it again.”

The governor further revealed that outstanding salaries and wage arrears owed to AAU staff amount to about ₦41 billion, explaining that his administration is working out modalities to gradually offset the debt.

On the issue of protests, Governor Okpebholo cautioned students against allowing themselves to be used by criminal elements, urging them to focus on their studies.

“Somebody said he is a student and he protests. What are you protesting for? Don’t allow yourself to be used. Read your books so that you can be like us,” the governor said.

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 said.

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.

“Most of the incidents of the people kidnapping in Ekpoma are local. When soldiers and other security agencies went into the forest at night, the people caught were natives from Ekpoma. So we need to look at who our enemy really is,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo condemned the destruction of shops and looting of properties during the protest, describing it as counterproductive.

“Things are not moving, people are hungry, and you are burning shops and destroying properties. If it were yours, would you be happy?” he added.

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.

“We have to work for Edo. Some of you may be innocent, but criminals will not have a hiding place in our state,” he said.

The governor also cited the ongoing reconstruction of the Benin–Auchi Road as an example of what peaceful engagement can achieve, explaining that the road was awarded at the cost of about ₦135 billion shortly after he brought the issue to the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, also addressed the gathering, praising Governor Okpebholo for his swift intervention, commitment to education and his decision to facilitate the release of the arrested students.

Other speakers commended the governor for choosing dialogue over force and for prioritising the welfare of students and the university community.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mallam Gani Audu; the Minister of Youth; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth Engagement; and other top government officials. (The Sun)