Teachers in government primary and Secondary schools in Rivers State, Wednesday, blocked the Government House in a protest, over five (5) years unpaid salaries by the State government.
The entry point leading to the Rivers State House was barricaded, with protesters bearing different placards, with inscription such as “Government is not a personal thing,” “Our teachers deserve better thing,” “Our teachers deserve better treatment,” Pay them their salaries,” “God is against injustice, please pay our teachers salaries,” “Wike ease our pain and save our education sector”.
The family members, former students, and members of the Civil Society, also joined in the demonstration.
However, the teachers from the Rivers State University International demonstration Secondary School, Nkpolu Oroworukwo in Port Harcourt, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education staff Primary and Secondary School, Ndele and Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic Staff Primary and Secondary Schools Boro; all in the State, said it was unfair for the government to continue to withhold their monies especially after a court of competent jurisdiction had ordered the payment.
Equally, Rivers State Civil Society Organization, chairman, Enefea Georgewill expressed sadness over the actions of State Government in withholding the teachers salaries for up to five years.
Georgewill appealed to the governor to come to the teachers aid who had been experiencing severe hardship and unable to cater for their families, reminding the governor that he was a beneficiary of teachers training.
He said, “We condemn in the strongest terms the attitudes of the governor towards the teachers.
“How could the governor, Nyesom Wike, have donated ₦500 million to the Sokoto State government over a fire incident that engulfed a market; whereas, teachers in his State are being owed five years arrears of salaries.
It is unfortunate we are in a country where people don’t appreciate peace. Violators are those rather placed on payrolls and pay them every month, while nobody cares about the law abiding ones.
“More than 26 teachers had died so far, over non payment of their salaries, the governor should comply with the court order and pay us”.
No government official was seen addressing the enraged teachers at press time.
Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News
