Delta teachers begin indefinite strike; express dismay over Govt’s handling of teachers, education issues

*Pupils sent home to parents

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.

Piqued by the failure of the Delta State Government to respond and address its demands, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Delta State chapter today, Thursday, March 9^th, 2017 called out its members to down tools and proceed on an indefinite strike action until the Union’s demands are met.

Consequently, primary and secondary school pupils were sent out of the classrooms back to their homes. Many of the school children in the early hours of the day were seen returning home and in response to observers’ questions said they were told to go home because the teachers are on strike.

At the palatial NUT state secretariat, on Teachers’ Street, Asaba where BMN went to find out the reason for the strike action, the State NUT Secretary, Comrade Joe Iyakekhue merely handed to BMN  copies of the directives to the various Teachers’ segments to commence the action and the communiqué issued at the end of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of the NUT held on Thursday, March 2^nd, 2017.

N the communiqué signed by the State NUT Chairman, Comrade J.O. Jemirieyigbe, the Secretary Comrade Joe Iyalekhue and Comrade A.L Okogba, publicity Secretary,  the teachers took a critical look at the issues and expressed dismay over the manner with which the State Government and its agencies are handling issues affecting teachers and education sector in the state.

It stated: “For the avoidance of doubt, the lingering issues for which the union suspended its strike action on September 9^th, 2016 which are yet to b fully addressed include:

·         Non-payment of monthly salaries to primary school teachers as at when due;

·         Willful down-grading of teachers in salary grade level 9by Infosec);

·         Decision by JAAC to reduce primary school teachers’ monthly salaries to 81 percent.

·         Non-payment of minimum wage arrears of primary school teachers;

·         Non-payment of CONPSS arrears May/June 2015;

·         Illegal deduction of teachers salaries;

·         Non-implementation of inter-cadre transfer of teachers in PPEB;

·         Non-implementation of teachers promotions by PPEB and SUBEB;

·         Non-payment of promotion arrears of primary and secondary school teachers, and

·         Non-payment of retired teachers benefits.

“Consequently, SWEC at its meeting held today 2^nd March, 2017 resolved to resume the suspended strike action on Thursday, (9th March, 2017 if the above listed issues are not addressed within seven days”.

With the lapse of the seven day ultimatum, the Nut in a statement signed by Comrade Iyalekhue directed “All SWEC Members, NUT Delta State, and Teachers/Principals/Headmasters of Primary and Secondary Schools in Delta state” in a memo entitled: “Strike Action By Teachers in Delta State” stated:

“I am directed to refer to the above mentioned subject and to inform you that the resolutions contained in our communique issued on 2^nd March, 2017, at the end of the state Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting binding, following the failure of the State government to address our demands.

“Consequent upon the above, I am directed to request all Teachers in the State Primary and Secondary schools to proceed on an indefinite strike action with effect from Thursday, 9^th March, 2017 until our demands are met.

“Your total compliance to this directive remains necessary and irrevocable. Solidarity forever!