Unpaid Gratuities and Pensions: Delta Primary Sch. Teachers, Local Govt Retirees To Protest Sept 8

Arrangements have been concluded for all retired public primary school teachers and their counterparts in the local government service to stage a peaceful demonstration in protest of the Delta State Government delay and epileptic payment of their gratuities and pensions.

A signed statement addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command and made available to newsmen informed that the planned demonstration is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, September 8 in Asaba.

According to the statement signed by Mode Augustine, Chief Mrs Ejieh H.C, Sir Henry Tukpe and Prince Etuwede G.U (Chairman local government retirees, Chairman public primary school teachers retirees, Secretary local government retirees and Secretary public primary school teachers retirees respectively), the retirees in Delta State served meritoriously for 35 years but the Delta State government refused to pay their gratuities and pensions since 2014 till date.

The statement stressed that the planned demonstration had become inevitable after all negotiations with the Delta State government failed.

“Our members have suffered untold hardship, humiliation and we have lost several of our members to death due to ill health and disease, lack of care and money to purchase basic medication; and several others are on the verge of dying. This is in addition to the fact that our members still have family members who are dependent on them for their education and upkeep.

“We also wish to emphasize that this demonstration shall be a monthly exercise until government pays us” the statement said and assured the Commissioner of Police that the demonstration would be peaceful and that they would adhere to NCDC COVID-19 protocol while the protest last and hence, sought the cooperation of the Commissioner of Police in that regard.

Among various government agencies notified of the planned protest were: The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Dept of State Services (DSS), Head of Service of the Delta State Government, Chairman Bureau of local government pensions and the SA to the governor on labour matters.