Ekiti State Teachers Suspends 5 Weeks Strike, After Govt Negotiation

Teachers in Ekiti State, yesterday, suspended their five-week-old industrial action, as the state government has agreed to pay 16 per cent pecuniary allowance.

The state government has, however, pledged not to victimize any member of the union.

The national body of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, had at the beginning of June this year directed the local branch in the states that are yet to commence payment of 27.5 per cent pecuniary allowance to embark on strike.

Speaking after signing the agreement at the Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti,yesterday, the state chairman of the NUT, Comrade Sam Akosile, said the union decided to suspend action because of intervention of well meaning people from the state

Akosile said it was a painful decision for members of the union to have embarked on strike action, saying they did not have an option than to follow directive of the national body of the union

“We decided to suspend the strike due to intervention of some well meaning people of the state.

“It is our hope that government will abide with our agreement and treat teachers with respect and dignity.

Also speaking at the occasion, state Commissioner for Education and Technology, Mr. Kehinde Ojo recounted circumstances that led to break-down of talks between state government and leadership of NUT.