Delta Primary school teachers already receiving promotion arrears, says Titus Okotie, State NUT Chair ~ Truth Reporters

By Andy Emephia

Four local governments, namely lsoko South, Okpe, Ethiope West, and Oshimili North, have already confirmed payment of primary school teachers promotion arrears, with more to follow.

This cheering news was broken by the Chairman of Delta State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers ( NUT), Comrade Titus Okotie, while reacting to concerns in some quarters by some teachers , that they had not received theirs

Noting that the approval for the promotion arrears of between 2016 and 2022, which was incurred before the present administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori assumed office on May 29 2023, was given on October 3 2024, an action which the NUT during it's World Teachers day celebration for this year, had commended the Governor

The Delta NUT Chairman  said all primary school teachers will get their entitlement due to Governor Oborevwori,s approval, and sued for patience from those yet to get theirs , emphasizing that due process and proper vetting of claims was undertaken by the Auditor General of the State before the Governor graciously approved the payment of the arrears for primary school teachers

Said Comrade Okotie : "As l speak with you , four local governments, lsoko South , Okpe, Ethiope West,and Oshimili North primary school teachers, have been paid their promotion arrears . The approval was given on October 3 this month by His Excellency and all the due documentation processes have been concluded by the Auditor General ( local government) and the Local Government service Commission. We have expressed delight and commended Governor Oborevwori for his welfare friendly disposition during our recent World Teachers day celebration. So l appeal for patience as everyone affected will certainly get paid. The most important thing is that approval has been given"

On the allegation of illegal deduction of #5,000 each from the state primary school teachers for the production of their lD cards, the State NUT Chairman disclosed that the decision was reached at union level and the local government service commission is overseeing this aspect of the lD card production on behalf of the primary school teachers , stressing that he personally directed that such deductions must not exceed #5,000 each , due to the prevailing market survey cost for the exercise .

Comrade Titus Okotie also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori , for approving the implementation of the minimum wage and even topping it to #77,500, describing Delta as very unique in terms of the payment of the differentials

He therefore cautioned civil servants against comparing salary charts under the minimum wage regime , between states , querying such actions that do not factor the emoluments of those in between and at the maximum end of the chart