Teachers in Delta State have disagreed with the government over the continuation of the strike action, which they embarked upon two week ago.
While Governor Ifeanyi Okowa gave them a marching order to resume work today or forfeit their pay, the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has insisted that government must meet their demand.
The union leader, Mr. Joe Iyalakhue told journalists in Asaba, that the governor’s threat of “no work, no pay” had not addressed the problem of their unpaid salaries.
But a statement by the Director of Information, Mr. Paul Osahor, said the state’s salary obligations to public servants, including teachers had been fulfilled.
“The ill-timed and ill-conceived strike action is particularly worrisome, considering the fact that the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) would commence today March 20, 2017,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, a statement by the Central Working Committee of the state branch of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) has announced the suspension of the strike.
The statement was issued in Asaba by the state Chairman of the union, C. K. Okoh and Secretary, Akpone F.
Also, the state Chief Judge, Justice Marshal Umukoro, has condemned the burning of a magistrate’s court in Ogwashi-Uku by suspected criminals
He made the condemnation at Igbodo village in Ika North East Local Council area at the opening of a magistrate’s court in the area.
Umukoro said it was a shame to the country’s collective reputation that people could still initiate and execute plans to burn down public property.
Traditional rulers, members of the bench and bar, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Mrakpor, other government functionaries and the community members attended the event.
