The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) Edo State wing has described as false the insinuations that the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole unlawfully deducts Local Government Council funds to pay the salaries of Primary School Teachers in the councils, thereby making it impossible to meet salary obligations to other Local Government staff.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of NUT, Edo State, Mr. Mike Uhunmwangho and Mr. Akin Adeojo respectively, the Union said State Governments through the joint State and Local Government Accounts make first line deductions for the payment of Primary School teachers salaries in Nigeria, Edo State inclusive, before the balance is remitted to the councils. The Union said the practice is age-long in all States of the Federation, maintaining that this has brought stability to the Primary education sub-sector in the Country.
The statement further disclosed that the inability of some councils in the State to meet salary obligations to their workers is not the making of the Governor, noting that he merely upheld a practice he met in the State because it is not only lawful but has ensured stability in the education sector where government invested huge financial resources.
The State NUT commended Comrade Oshiomhole for his doggedness and strong belief in upholding the laws of the land as well as allowing continuous stability in the education sector in Edo State and called on Edo State government and the general public to disregard the negative propaganda being peddled by mischief makers in respect of the payment of Primary School Teachers Salaries.
The Union urged their members to re-double their efforts in the discharge of their teaching –learning responsibilities in their various Schools so as to further encourage the Comrade Governor for his support to the Teachers in the State.
Gov. Adams Oshiomhole
