FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Former staff of the defunct College of Education, Ekiadolor, who were sacked by the former administration were yesterday assured of payment of their outstanding salaries and all entitlements due to them.
Government also ensured that all issues relating to the college would be resolved without hitches.
This assurance was given by Governor Monday Okpehbolo in Benin City, while addressing staff of the college who came to thank him for addressing the contensious issues.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Musa Ikhilor, told the staff of the institution that he would not leave any stone unturned until their issues are resolved.
“Government will resolve all issues relating to the defunct College of Education Ekiadolor and make sure all staff involved in the unholy treatment are satisfied,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr Richard Amayo explained that the school was closed down by former Governor Godwin Obaseki for no just reason.
“Obaseki closed down this school for no reason. We were laid off and sent home without salary for six years. Governor Okpebholo came and heard our cry, and he has given us our first tranche. So we feel that it is vital for us to come back to express our gratitude to him.
“Although we are not in the contributory pension scheme, he said we should be paid off in four tranche. So it is what Obaseki had approved that he is paying now. That is why we are happy that we are still getting something back from government,” he stated.
Amaya said over 1,000 staff were affected by Obaseki’s bad policy and some of them have died, adding that some are homeless, while others are sick.
Also speaking, Mr Humble Eweka, who was a chief lecturer in the college, said they have been in pain for the past six years over the non-payment of salaries and allowances.
