By Uche Onyeali
Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, chapter has directed all primary and secondary school teachers in the territory to join the ongoing strike action initiated by the Joint Union Action Committee, JUAC.
The directive was made in a communiqué jointly signed by the union’s Chairman, Abdullahi Shafas; State Secretary, Margaret Jethro, and issued by the Publicity Secretary, Ibukun Adekeye.
The communiqué said the decision to join the strike followed a directive from the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, instructing all affiliate unions within the FCT to join the industrial action.
While the NUT noted initial reservations regarding the organisational approach of the JUAC-led strike, it emphasised that the intervention of the NLC necessitated a unified front.
”All teachers in FCT primary and secondary schools are to stay away from classrooms starting Monday.
“Teachers within the city centre and surrounding areas are directed to converge on the National Industrial Court, NIC, on Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Abuja by 7am on Monday.
“The gathering is intended to show solidarity during the hearing of a court case instituted against JUAC,” the communique read.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to negotiate with authorities until all outstanding demands specifically affecting teachers are met.
”In pursuit of justice and to demonstrate our collective resolve, we must stand together. A people united can never be defeated,” it added.
The union urged its members to remain steadfast, while promising to provide updates as the situation unfolds.
Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, on January 19 commenced an indefinite strike over unresolved welfare concerns.
The unions demands include payment of outstanding promotion arrears, stalled promotions and the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries.
