The Abia State government says it has uncovered plans by some people to stage a protest in the State in demand of payment of teachers’ salaries.
This followed a 14-day ultimately given to the State government by the State wing of NUT to address the plight of its members or risk total strike action.
It alleged that the said persons were masquerading as members of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Abia State wing whose planned protest would threaten the peace of the State if allowed to hold.
In a statement signed by Barr Chris Ezem, Secretary to Abia State government, Abia government said it paid 8 months allocation of teachers’ salaries arrears in November 2021 and is again planning to make another bulk payment of salaries to the teachers.
It stated further that the planned payment would take place within 14 days from the day it held a meeting with the NUT in the State which is yet to expire.
The statement warned, “In view of the above and following the dissociation of the NUT from any intended protest, the government warns that it will deal decisively with anybody or group that engages in any form of protest aimed at disturbing the peace in the State.”
“All security agencies have been put on alert to arrest, detain and prosecute all involved.”
But a release by Secretary of State NUT, Mrs Nnenna Okonkwo listed the teachers’ grouse to include 14 months of arrears of secondary school teachers’ salaries, nonpayment of 27.5% of primary school teachers in many years, non-payment of promotion allowance to primary teachers over the years.
The NUT also demanded that primary be paid full salaries, payment of 11 months arrears of 18,000 minimum wage to secondary school teachers, full payment of April to December 2021 salaries since agreement reached between teachers and the State government had allegedly been breached.
They went on to complained against non-payment of 12 years leave allowances to secondary school teachers’ salaries among others.
The teachers vowed to proceed on the planned strike if the the issues they raised were not addressed by the Abia government.
