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The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ebonyi State has declared an indefinite strike in seven local government areas due to the non-payment of four months’ salaries to some teachers.
In a statement released by NUT Secretary, Bassey Asuquo, and obtained by Channels Television, the affected LGAs were listed as Ebonyi, Edda, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ivo, Ishielu, and Ohaukwu.
“Sequel to our earlier notice on mobilization for industrial strike action, we have thoroughly reviewed the compliance of local government chairmen regarding the clearance of our members’ salaries.
“As of the close of work on February 5, 2025, we acknowledge that certain local government areas have cleared the salaries of our members.
“However, we regret to inform you that several local government chairmen have failed to clear the backlog of our members’ outstanding salaries.
“In response to this non-compliance, we hereby declare an indefinite strike in the following Local Government Areas: Edda, Ebonyi, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ishielu, Ivo, and Ohaukwu,” the statement read.
The NUT directed its state and branch officers in the affected LGAs to strictly enforce the strike from 12:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
“We call on all members to remain steadfast and continue their support for the strike action. This includes organizing and maintaining solidarity picket lines and monitoring compliance across the affected localities”.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that pupils who went to school on Thursday were reportedly sent home by union leaders and teachers.
In a phone chat with Channels Television’s correspondent in Abakaliki, the state capital late Thursday evening, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Paul Nwobasi stated that he summoned a meeting with the affected local government chairmen and union executives in an effort to resolve the matter.
He added that all efforts to reach NUT members were unsuccessful, as he has rescheduled another meeting with the union on Friday, February 7, 2025, by 10am.
“In a swift action, we went round the schools and summon a meeting with the local government chairmen, other relevant union and boards involved, unfortunately NUT didn’t honour the meeting”.
“We have rescheduled another meeting with NUT tomorrow Friday, February 7, 2025, and other union executives to resolve the matter because they have not made their grievances known to the ministry of education,” he said.
