joshua
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Edo State on Tuesday directed all primary school teachers in the state to shun the February 1, 2021, resumption date proposed by the state government.
The leadership of the union gave the order in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City.
The statement was signed by Pius Okhueleigbe, state chairman and Moni Mike Modesty Itua, the Assistant Secretary General of the union.
Recall that the union had on January 12, 2021 directed all primary school teachers and school heads to embark on an indefinite strike with effect from January 18, 2021.
The union in reaction to the state government’s request to suspend the strike, noted that the state government has not demonstrated any reasonable commitment to resolve the issues presented to it.
A statement, signed by D.O.Enakhimion, the Permanent Secretary, establishments for Edo State, Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, appealed to the union to suspend the ongoing strike and give considerable time to create opportunity for government to dialogue with it with a view to resolving the issues.
In its response, the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) in an enlarged meeting resolved that the indefinite strike started on the 18th of January, 2021 must continue.
The statement said the decision to continue with the strike was because the union was convinced that it had earlier allowed the state government eight weeks to have its demands resolved before the commencement of the strike.
It added that it was no longer disposed to request for additional days from Edo state government.
The union, however, unanimously agreed that dialogue/negotiation between Edo State Government and the union should continue while the strike persists
