The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Enugu State wing has dissociated itself from any form of protest against the administration of Dr. Peter Mbah.
The chairman of NUT in Enugu, Comr. Theophilus Nweke who briefed journalists in Enugu on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, said it’s unconscionable for anyone to think of embarking on any form of protest against the current administration that’s barely 10 months in office and has demonstrated readiness to confronting their challenges.
Nweke said the Mbah’s administration upon assumption of office, took their matter; which is the non-payment of minimum wage to primary school teachers seriously and is resolving their over 3 years faceoff with the government.
“How can any body in good conscience talk about protest against the current administration? When the current administration came in, we met with them and presented our challenges to the Governor who promised to address them.
“True to his word, the Governor quickly set up a committee to look into the issue and on the 10th of November, they submitted their report in which it was recommended that these teachers be paid.
“On 19th February 2024, the Governor called the leadership of NUT and conveyed his approval for the full implementation of the minimum wage. When February salary came in, the teachers were paid as approved, and this was greeted with wild jubilation which you saw on social media.
“This administration has demonstrated their commitment to our welfare, thus why should we embark on any protest? Does that make any sense to anyone? What exactly should be the reason for the protest,” Comr. Nweke asked.
“As a union, we have laid down procedures of pressing home our demands and we have judiciously followed them. These approaches are yielding the required results. Calling for outright protest has never been part of it and we won’t promote such.
On the five dismissed teachers, the union leader said he’s as surprised as any other person because none of the dismissed teachers sought his opinion nor that of the leadership of Enugu state Universal Basic Education Board, ENSUBEB before carrying out any of their actions.
“The 5-point requests we made to the Governor are receiving adequate attention, four have already been implemented and the fifth one is underway, therefore, only them can explain the reason for their action.”
He advised the teachers to reciprocate this gesture by being dedicated to their duties and not engage in any frivolities or make themselves willing tools for any person or group seeking cheap popularity.
