Edo Yes: APC Chairman clarifies govt’s position

BENIN CITY – Disturbed by the controversies that trailed the phase out of Edo Youth Empowerment Scheme, popularly known as Edo Yes by the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Anslem Ojezua, has clarified the true position of the state government on the issue.
According to him, the action of the Governor was to restructure the scheme in line with the current economic trend in the country.
It would be recalled that the Edo Yes was   inaugurated in 2009 as part of the government intervention scheme to empower youths in the state through employment of over 10,000 youths.
Speaking with The NIGERIAN OBSERVER in Benin City, Ojezua, pointed out that the decision of the Governor to end the programme suddenly was due to a drop in the allocation from the federation account, arising from the total fall in the prices of crude oil in the international market.
He maintained that the action was not targeted to impoverish the youths, who played a predominant role in the political development of the state, explaining that as the Chief Executive Officer of the State, Governor Oshiomhole had the moral justification to determine how the youths could be employed to have a regularly monthly payment of wages to them.
The APC state chair, said that the failure of some of the youths not to be present in their places of primary assignments because some of them have travelled abroad or secure alternative employment has been an issue that gave the state government food for thought.
He however, assured that they will be reinstated after a thorough screening by the state committee set up for that purpose, while regretting the hardship the hardworking ones are currently faced with.
He however, expressed satisfaction on how the issues were passionately handled and optimistic that before the end of the year, the employment scheme would be put in place for the purpose of effective and efficient governance in the state.
The APC state chairman further assured the youths of his readiness to liaise with the state government to facilitate the reabsorption of those affected into the new arrangement.