Rather than pacifying and resolving all the teething problems militating against their welfare, governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state has resulted to the intimidation of the striking primary and secondary teachers under the umbrella of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Delta state chapter, to resume work immediately.
The primary and secondary school teachers across the state had last Thursday embarked on an indefinite strike following what they described as “illegal and unwarranted” deductions from their salaries by the Okowa led government as well as vehement refused to be sensitive to teacher plights unlike the past administration of former governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.
The striking teachers have vowed not to call off the strike until their complaints and demands are fully meant by governor Okowa.
In a special government announcement signed by the state Director of Information, Mr. Paul Osahor Saturday, the governor directed the teachers and principals of public secondary schools in the state to resume normal classes with effect from Monday, March 20, 2017, without fail, threatening that government shall apply the policy of “No Work, No Pay” on any school principal or teacher who fails to resume work on the above date.
The statement read thus: ” It is hereby announced for the information of the general public, particularly Deltans, that His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, has directed Teachers and Principals of Public Secondary Schools in the state to resume normal classes with effect from Monday, March 20, 2017, without fail.
“It will be recalled that at the enlarged meeting between the State Government and Labour Unions chaired by the Governor, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, it was evident that the State Government had met all its salary obligations to public servants (inclusive of Teachers in Secondary Schools and Technical Colleges employed under the Post Primary Education Board).
“The continued “sympathy” strike by Secondary School Teachers, in the state, in solidarity with their Primary School counterparts is quite unreasonable and uncalled for as matters concerning Promotions and Inter Cadre Transfers, have been approved and implemented by the State Government, through the Post Primary Education Board. This is in line with Government avowed commitment to the welfare of Teachers in the State.
“This ill-timed and ill-conceived strike action is particularly worrisome, considering the fact that the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) will commence on Monday, March 20, 2017. Accordingly, the State Government will not tolerate strike actions that would jeopardise the smooth conduct of teaching and learning in public schools in the State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the State Government will henceforth apply the policy of “No Work, No Pay” on any school Principal or Teacher who fails to resume work on Monday, March 20, 2017. All Secondary School Students in the State are by this announcement, enjoined to resume normal school activities on Monday, March 20, 2017.
“Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs) and Heads of Zonal Offices of the State Post Primary Education Board are to ensure strict compliance with the State Governor’s directive. School Principals are to keep daily records of staff attendance and transmit same to the Post Primary Education Board Zonal Offices.” the statement said.
