By stanley amadi
Barely one month after the retired primary school teachers in Imo State under SUBEB took to the streets of Owerri on the 10th of February to protest the non-payment of over 40 months pension arrears, the group yesterday, 12th March registered their protest over the same issue despite promises by the state governor to see to their plight.
While speaking to the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Mr Chidi Ibe on behalf of the retired primary school teachers, Mr Reginald Unanka who spoke on behalf of the group said that the pensions board chairman, Barrister Uwandu had addressed the retired teachers and promised them immediately after their protest on 10th February that on or before the end of February Government would pay the retired primary school teachers. Mr Reginald Unanka disclosed to journalists that since then all efforts made by the retired primary school teachers have proved abortive as her phone numbers have not been reachable. Mr Reginald Unanka expressed disappointment over the kind of news Sam Onwuemeodo has been publishing in the media, where the governor’s senior special assistant on media have been claiming that the salaries of the retired primary school teachers have been cleared by the governor, Rochas Okorocha.
Also speaking to newsmen, the secretary of the retired primary school teachers Chief Akudinanwa Dan equally expressed disappointment over the discrepancies between words and deeds on the side of the governor, who had promised to pay their pension arrears through the state pension’s board chairman, Barrister Uwandu.
Chief Akudinanwa said they had planned to head to the streets in protest to the non-payment of their pension arrears.
Chief Akudinanwa also debunked claims made by the Hon Commissioner for Information, Mr Chidi Ibe that the problem of the non-payment of their pension arrears was due to bank issues which have been resolved.
Chief Anozie who equally spoke to journalists also expressed concerns as to why the pension arrears of secondary school teachers have been cleared while theirs have been left pending. Some other members of these elder statesmen and women who spoke behind the microphone asked questions as to whether they have committed crimes by serving the state and having retired meritoriously. The group also stated it clear that they are demanding for their right and not a benefit.
Chief Akudinanwa Dan, secretary of the group and some members of the group said within these 40 months of non-remittance of their pension arrears that they have been living on charity. Chief Akudinanwa further told journalists that they would have taken to the streets to tell Imolites the truth, but in respect for the Hon Commissioner who came on behalf of the governor. As at the time of filing this report, a meeting has been scheduled between the state governor and the retired primary school teachers. The group through their secretary threatened to hit the streets of Owerri if their demands are not met by Monday.
