Abia Teachers Suspend Strike, Urge Ikpeazu To Make Salary Payment A Priority

Members of Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT in Abia State have suspended their strike with a charge on the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to make the payment of their salary a priority.

This is contained in a statement made available to ABN TV by the leadership of the teachers union on Tuesday in Umuahia.

The release signed by Elder Comrade Kizito A. Kalu, chairman of NUT in the state, and Comrade Mrs. Nnenna Okonkwo, State Secretary of the Union noted that the suspension of the strike became important following intervention and extensive deliberation by the National leadership of the Union and engagement with governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu yesterday, 1st March, 2021

The statement partly read, “1. That the government will make teachers’ salaries top priority.

READ ALSO: I’m Committed To Prompt Salary Payment, Says Ikpeazu

“2. That the state government has agreed to liquidate all the outstanding arrears of salaries owed to both Senior and Junior Secondary School Teachers in the state before the end of 2021.

“3. That government has agreed to pay the basic school teachers the N10,000 added on salaries of all workers in the state.

“4. That the issues on policy matters will also be addressed when the whole documentation are made available e.g. promotion implementation, leave grants, and others.

“5. Government has equally directed that the check-off dues and Teachers’ Retirement Contributions should be paid along with every salary payment of teachers.”

The statement further added, “On the foregoing, and based on the understanding reached with the NUT leadership, we have been directed to inform you that the ongoing strike action is hereby suspended. Teachers are by this notice directed to go back to classes tomorrow Wednesday 3rd March, 2021. The National leadership commends your doggedness and sustainability throughout the period of the strike action.

“The NUT, Abia State Wing sincerely appreciates your solidarity, unity, support and cooperation during the period.

“We want to sincerely appreciate our amiable governor, His Excellency, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for his timely intervention and we pray that those offices involved in the implementation of all the resolutions will do the needful.

“We want to also thank the National President of the NUT – the number one teacher, Dr. Nasir Idris, the Secretary General, Dr. Mike Ike Ene and the National Treasurer, Com. Segun Raheem for their encouragement and support in this struggle.

“Esteemed Comrades, we urge you to stay safe and observe all Covid-19 protocols as you go back to classes.”