By Daniel Maduka
Retired teachers in Abia State have called on the Governor, Dr Alex Otti, to wade in and save them from the harrowing experiences and untimely deaths faced by most of the retired teachers,due to non payments of their entitlements and other benefits since 2017.
These entitlements, according to the Abia State Coordinator of Retired Teachers Forum, RTF , Mrs Eunice Egbuna, represents money deducted from the teachers salaries while in service through the Nigeria Union Teachers, NUT, as a form of welfare support package to help cushion the effects of retirement.
At an interactive section with the Media in Aba on Thursday, February 15, 2024, Mrs Egbunna lamented that despite putting in their best in the service of the State, the retired teachers rather than rewarded, are being subjected to extortion, exploitation, and deprivation, particularly by the Abia NUT and relevant government agencies .
The Retired Abia teachers said they are appealing to the Governor to prevail on the Abia NUT and relevant Establishments concerned to take steps and fulfill their obligations to the retired teachers.
“For emphasis, the retired teachers were made to contribute part of their salaries for years ,through the NUT, with the understanding that it would form part of their retirement benefits.
But regrettably, since the retirement of most of us since 2017 nothing has been done by all the concerned bodies to meet their obligations to the retirees some of whom have died out of frustration ” Mrs Egunna stated.
Meanwhile, the Centre For Human Rights Advocacy And Wholesome Society CEHRAWS has condemned the attempt to unjustly deny the retired teachers and or any other groups their rightful entitlements after many years of dedicated service.
Chuka Okorie,the Executive Director of CEHRAWS in a statement issued and made available to the press on Thursday urged the Governor of the state ,Dr Otti,and other relevant stakeholders to save the lives of Abia retired teachers by compelling the Abia NUT to immediately address the issues being raised by the retired teachers.
” CEHRAWS stands in solidarity with the retired Teachers of Abia State and will continue to advocate for their right and well being .We will closely monitor the situation and work in partnership with other Civil Society Groups and Anti Graft Agencies to ensure that justice is served.
We implore the Abia NUT to act swiftly and responsibly in addressing the matter ,and or risk legal action .The dignity and welfare of our retired teachers must be up held and respected at all times.” CEHRAWS asserted.
