LGs offset April salary to avert Primary school teachers’ strike in Bayelsa

The payment of April salary for primary school teachers on Friday has averted a three day warning strike threatened by the Bayelsa chapter of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).

The teachers had threatened to embark on a warning strike to press for payment of outstanding salaries of between four and seven months across the eight local government areas in Bayelsa.

Dr Agatha Goma Bayelsa Commissioner for Local Government Administration said in an interview Yenagoa on Sunday that the ministry engaged the teachers to avoid strike.

Goma who applauded the primary school teachers for their patience, assured them that the state government is committed to implementing all agreement reached with the Nigerian Union of Teachers.

 She explained that paucity of fund due to dwindling revenue arising from economic downturn last year was responsible for the inability of Local Governments to meet salary obligation to their staff including teachers

She explained that the local government share of the Paris Club refunds was deployed to the payment of salaries of primary school teachers.

 She said as part of government demonstration of good faith full salary is now being paid as against half salaries paid last year even though there has been no significant improvement in the income of the councils.

The Commissioner said the state government will continue to work with the local authorities with a view to finding permanent solution to the lingering financial crisis in the councils..

Goma said government is aware of the critical roles of teachers in the ongoing educational revolution in the state and as such will not toy with their welfare.

‘Teachers’ welfare is pivotal to Governor Seriake Dickson’s revolution in the education sector.

“There is no deliberate effort to undermine  teachers’ welfare.

“The issues of half salary  in 2016, delay in payment arose because of the recession.

“But the teachers should be assured that government is concerned about their welfare and everything is being done to find a permanent solution to this challenge”  Goma said.