Bayelsa Teachers Protest Against NUT Marginalization

By Amos Okioma,Yenagoa
LAGOS OCOBER 17TH (NEWSRANGERS)-Bayelsa State Association of Non – Academic Staff of Post primary schools has protested against Bayelsa State National Union Of Teachers (NUT) marginalization of their members in the state.
The teachers besieged the office of the Executive Chairman of the Bayelsa State Post Primary School Board, Dr Asiam Blessing Ikuru to inundate her with myriads of complaints and demands, stressing that if not attended to it will soon derail the cordial relationship that have been existing between the state government and teachers
The Chairman of the Association of Non – Academic Staff of Post primary schools, Comrade Peletiri Jerry complained of sundry deductions by principals in the guise of postings, appealing that such deductions be paid into the teachers account directly.
“They therefore want their salaries be paid directly to them instead of through principals who extort them in the guise of money transfers. They also called on government to pay them their government approved #18 .000 salary arrears,” he stated.
Peletiri Jerry frowned at recent attempt by Dr Josephine Igodo – led verification team to conduct another exercise whereas the Board had verified the teachers.
“We would not be intimidated and we can’t be deprived. They have bought the Aper Forms and wondered why promotion interviews were not conducted. We also reject any deductions without their consultation, especially the NUT Special. We are not comfortable with these anomalies being perpetrated by NUT in the state,” he said.
The group commended the Board Chairman and its members for restoring some anomalies which overtime had created problems, adding that they are looking up to the Board as their only hope that is ready to listen and respond to their demands.
Responding to their grievances, Ikuru said their members have been assured and reiterated of the premium and importance the state governor , Seriake Dickson attaches to the welfare of teachers and would continue to implement incentives that would motivate them to put in their best, as teachers have continued to be prized as the foundation of any nation.
“Without teachers we would not have people to man our ministries , teachers are role models who groom the present generation and future generations ” she said.
According Dr Ikuru who also is equally an educationist, “As professional teacher , invariably anything that affects teachers affects me, hence the board under my watch is poised to fight for the interest of teachers.”
She denied ever receiving any letter directing her not to pay their salaries and sundry entitlements. She admonished the protesters to disabuse their minds from unfounded allegations which they claimed had gone viral, stressing that before embarking on any protest they need to be armed with current figures and facts.
On the recent over- stepping by Dr Josephine Igodo led Verification Committee, she said that exercise has been concluded as any attempt to revisit it will amount to another crisis and promised to address all issues concerning promotions and the a time table to that effect will be released soon.
“We are aware that our teachers deserve motivation and promotions motivate teachers to impact knowledge . That will be done before the end of November 2018, you will hear from us.
“The governor has given us that special preference and directed that we don’t hesitate to inform him of any noticeable anomalies that portends danger to education. My boss , His Excellency the talk – Na – do – governor of Bayelsa state ” your Association is our friend and we will continue to support it,” she stated.
She also assured them the issue of 18 percent minimum wage arrears is receiving attention and commended the Association for the peaceful protest, saying ever since she has been interfacing with the only Executive members and overwhelmed with its membership strength .

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