Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State has assured teachers of their job security.
Orji, who gave the assurance a meeting
with heads of public primary schools in the state, said that although
one would be tempted to downsize teachers in view of teacher-to-pupils
ratio, he would not sack anybody.
Public primary and secondary school
teachers recently called off their three-week-old strike over salary
arrears as the government paid two out of the three months arrears.
He appealed to them to exercise patience
with the government, noting that there were efforts to clear their
outstanding salary arrears.
According to him, the slump in oil price has affected adversely the revenue base of the state.
Orji regretted that some teachers derived
pleasure in scandalising the government instead of reciprocating its
gestures to enhance their welfare, considering the recent promotion in
the state.
He said, “We are determined to pay you
all the debts we owe you but you don’t encourage us. Some of you
scandalise and demoralise the government.
However, as our revenues improve everyone will smile.”
He expressed optimism that his successor would continue from where he stopped to improve the lots of teachers in the state.
The governorship candidate of the ruling
Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, promised to
enhance the welfare of teachers.
According to him, Orji has laid the
foundation for regular payment of teachers’ salaries and promised to
consolidate on it if elected.
Ikpeazu also promised not sack them provided they were improving in their services.
He said, “Experts recommended right
sizing because of the percentage of funds going into salary payment but
we will not sack you. You will keep your jobs but you will have to work
hard and improve your output.”
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