By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike has put the blame of non payment of primary school teachers in the territory at the doorstep of the Area Council Chairmen.
Wike stated this while reacting to the joint protest made by the teachers under the banner of FCT council,Nigeria Union Of Teachers to his office on Thusday.
The Minister confirmed that he had already approved funds to be disbursed to the councils for the payment of teachers, but some chairmen failed to act, despite receiving the necessary support from the FCT Administration.
“I approved money to be sent to them so they could pay the teachers. I got a report just yesterday that they’ve failed to do that. I have now summoned all of them,” the minister said.
“These are people who take care of our children, and you’re happy not paying them salaries. I don’t understand how people can sleep well knowing they’ve abandoned those responsible for educating the next generation,” he fumed.
He stressed that primary school teachers fall under the jurisdiction of the Area Councils and not the FCT Administration, reiterating that the responsibility to pay them lies squarely on the shoulders of the council leadership.
“This is the problem we have in this country. When you apply the big stick, people start shouting. But we must act. I have summoned them to a meeting, and this can’t be swept under the carpet,” Wike said.
The Minister appealed to the NUT to allow a little more time for the FCTA to intervene decisively in resolving the crisis.
Speaking during the protest at the FCTA Secretariat gate on Thursday, Chairman of the Nigeria Union Of Teachers, Muhammed Shafa lamented that the chairmen have consistently failed to honour agreements reached with the union.
