ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, has refuted allegations of instructing school principals to purchase her portrait and that of the Governor. She strongly asserted that detractors were behind the accusations of extortion against her.
Mrs. Ezewu stated, “I didn’t produce a portrait for anybody to sell. I remember questioning a Principal in Ughelli for displaying a shabby picture of the Commissioner in his office. I told him it wasn’t acceptable and urged him to replace it.”
“I offered to send my original portrait to enable them to print and replace the one they had. I did not produce any official portrait for sale to schools across the state. As Commissioner for Secondary Education, I do not accept money from anyone for any matter.”
“I am fulfilling my prescribed duties, and we have established an education task force to ensure proper monitoring of our schools. With over 490 secondary schools in Delta State, we have put a task force in place to assist with effective monitoring and supervision. They have a mandate to ensure teachers are fulfilling their responsibilities, including holding morning and afternoon assemblies as directed.”
Sir Christian Ahweyevu, President of the Association of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) in Delta State, came to the Commissioner’s defense, expressing his concern over the baseless allegations and threats of school closures. He stated, “It is quite disheartening to read that ANCOPSS wants to shut down schools in Delta State because of baseless accusations against the Hon. Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu.
As the new President of ANCOPSS Delta State, I, Christian Orakpo Ahweyevu, on behalf of all members, affirm that ANCOPSS Delta State has never taken such a decision, as we have not experienced any extortion from the Hon. Commissioner.
We maintain a positive working relationship with her. Those propagating these unfounded stories should cease and desist. We will not allow self-centered individuals to tarnish the good image of ANCOPSS Delta State or the harmonious relationship we share with the Hon. Commissioner. We will continue to stand by our Commissioner and work together to enhance the standard of education in Delta State.”
