School Resumption : We’Il go on strike, Edo NUT dares Obaseki

 By: Enahoro Iyemefokhai

The Edo State Chapter of the   Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has  directed all public primary school teachers in the state to shun the  February 1, 2021, resumption date proposed by the state government.

The union’s directive was contained in a statement signed by Pius Okhueleigbe, state chairman and Moni Mike Modesty Itua, the Assistant Secretary General, and made available to newsmen in Benin City on Wednesday.

Recall that the union had on January 12, 2021 directed all public  primary school teachers and school heads to embark on an indefinite strike with effect from January 18, 2021.

The  NUT in reaction to the state government’s request to suspend the strike, opined that the state government has not demonstrated any reasonable commitment to resolve the issues presented to it.

A statement, signed by Ms D.O.Enakhimion, the Permanent Secretary, establishments for  Edo State,  Head of Service,  Mr.Anthony Okungbowa, appealed to the union to suspend the ongoing strike and create opportunity for government to dialogue with it with a view to resolving and meeting its demands.

In its response, the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) in an enlarged  meeting resolved that the indefinite strike which started on the 18th of January, 2021is still in force.

The union said the decision to continue with the strike was because it was convinced that it had earlier allowed the state government eight weeks to have its demands resolved before the commencement of the strike. It added that it was  no longer disposed to request for additional days from Edo state government.

It, however, unanimously agreed that dialogue/negotiation between Edo State Government and the union should continue while the strike persists. give considerable time to create opportunity for government to dialogue with it with a view to resolving the issues.

In its response, the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) in an enlarged  meeting resolved that the indefinite strike started on the 18th of January, 2021 must continue.

The statement was signed by Pius Okhueleigbe, state chairman and Moni Mike Modesty Itua, the Assistant Secretary General of the union. Recall that the union had on January 12, 2021 directed all primary school teachers and school heads to embark on an indefinite strike with effect from January 18, 2021.

The union in reaction to the state government’s request to suspend the strike, noted that the state government has not demonstrated any reasonable commitment to resolve the issues presented to it.

A statement, signed by D.O.Enakhimion, the Permanent Secretary, establishments for  Edo State,  Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, appealed to the union to suspend the ongoing strike and give considerable time to create opportunity for government to dialogue with it with a view to resolving the issues.

In its response, the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) in an enlarged  meeting resolved that the indefinite strike started on the 18th of January, 2021 must continue. The statement said the decision to continue with the strike was because the union was convinced that it had earlier allowed the state government eight weeks to have its demands resolved before the commencement of the strike.

It added that it was  no longer disposed to request for additional days from Edo state government. The union, however, unanimously agreed that dialogue/negotiation between Edo State Government and the union should continue while the strike persists.