We teachers under the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), wish to disclaim the lies being peddled by one johnmayaki.com against Edo SUBEB in their recent publication.

The publication stated that teachers under SUBEB have been directed to assemble at 'Ring Road' to protest against the National Assembly or risk sanction.

We hereby state emphatically that the publication is an outright falsehood as no such directive was issued to us by Edo SUBEB.

It is however pertinent to state that we teachers under Edo SUBEB have been planning a solidarity march in support of the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration. In addition to that we also deem it necessary to join all people of goodwill in a solidarity support for our dear Governor Obaseki who has taken our welfare with utmost importance.

And why should we not? This is an administration that pays us our salary before the end of every month and has never defaulted. This is an administration that has resuscitated the Teacher Professional Development training and retraining exercises that today over eleven thousand (11,000) teachers have been trained in tech-based teaching techniques and other forms of modern pedagogy, and has also equipped us with computers and smartphones which have made our jobs easier and also aiding the teaching and learning process.

As teachers, we are now constantly exposed to countless workshops, symposia and conferences where our capacity in our profession are constantly built and adequately moulded.

The last time teachers were promoted was in 2013 until Governor Godwin Obaseki came on board and cleared all the backlog promotions while also paying off the backlog of allowances due to teachers.

Our colleagues who were retired about a month ago have already started receiving their gratuities. This is what Governor Godwin Obaseki has done for us. We will go to any extent to defend this administration that has placed the education of pupils of the State above the interest of few avaricious individuals.

Anyone who decides to go the mile to promote lies in our name that we are being coerced into a solidarity march for the Governor, is selling an outright falsehood. We are dedicated to our job, and the education of our pupils is at the core of our duty. This administration has shown us the dignity in our labour and places our welfare as teachers at the core of its objectives.

Therefore, we do not need to be coerced or mandated to form a solidarity movement or join in a solidarity march for one who protects our interest. This is our fight. Governor Godwin Obaseki is our project and we will resist anyone who wants to take this precious gift away from us Edo teachers.

Therefore, whatever the objective of the author of the publication is meant to serve cannot withstand our resolve. We will not fold our arms to watch anyone drag the immaculate name of Governor Godwin Obaseki and Edo SUBEB through the mud.

We were not mandated by Edo SUBEB to get involved in any protest. We are getting involved out of our own free will. The general public should therefore take note and disregard the lies from Johnmayaki.com

Signed, Uhunmwangho M.O., Teacher