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BY VINCENT ANIKWUSHE
THE Delta State Government has reassured labour unions in the state of fair deal, robust and cordial relationship towards achieving industrial harmony.
The Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, gave the assurance when the executive members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Delta State Wing, paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Asaba.
He congratulated members of the executive for their election, saying that their election was a testament of the support they enjoy from members of the union and averred that the role of teachers in any society cannot be overemphasised, acknowledging the fact that “no teachers, no nation,” as anybody who is somebody across the globe was taught by a teacher.
“We will continue to synergise with the NUT and other labour unions in the state in order to achieve a common purpose. We recognise the crucial and important role teachers play in child development and nation-building. We are like a family and we will continue to be so,” he assured.
On the issue of non-payment of primary school teachers’ salary, non release of 2017 promotion, shortage of teachers in the school system, partial implementation of 2016 promotion, among others, Mr. Bayoko, explained that payment of primary school teachers’ salary was the sole responsibility of the Federal Government and that the state government only augments their salary, subject to availability of fund.
He, however, appealed to members of the union to be patient and show understanding with the state government, assuring that other issues would be addressed when the economy improves.
His words, “As we all are aware, times are hard with the current economic downturn in the country. I can assure you that government will do the needful when the economy improves.
Earlier, the Chairman, NUT, Delta State Wing, Comrade Titus Okotie, said that the visit was to familiarize the new executive with the Head of Service, interface with him and brief him of the challenges facing the union.
While commending Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for fulfilling his campaign promises as encapsulated in the SMART Agenda and Mr. Bayoko for effectively and efficiently piloting the affairs of the state civil service, he listed some of the challenges facing the union to include insufficient number of graduate primary school teachers promoted beyond Salary Grade 14, examination grants, among others, and appealed to the HOS to liaise with relevant authorities with a view to addressing them.
