Retired Primary School Teachers In Imo Cry Out

Barely one month after the retired primary school teachers in Imo
State under SUBEB took to the streets of Owerri on the 10th of
February to protest the non-payment of over 40 months pension arrears,
the group last Tuesday, 12th March registered their protest over the
same issue despite promises by the state governor to see to their
plight.

While speaking to the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Mr
Chidi Ibe on behalf of the retired primary school teachers, Mr
Reginald Unanka who spoke on behalf of the group said that the
pensions board chairman, Barrister Uwandu had addressed the retired
teachers and promised them immediately after their protest on 10th
February that on or before the end of February Government would pay
the retired primary school teachers. Mr Reginald Unanka disclosed to
journalists that since then all efforts made by the retired primary
school teachers have proved abortive as her phone numbers have not
been reachable. Mr Reginald Unanka expressed disappointment over the
kind of news Sam Onwuemeodo has been publishing in the media, where
the governor's senior special assistant on media have been claiming
that the salaries of the retired primary school teachers have been
cleared by the governor, Rochas Okorocha.

Also speaking to newsmen, the secretary of the retired primary school
teachers Chief Akudinanwa Dan equally expressed disappointment over
the discrepancies between words and deeds on the side of the governor,
who had promised to pay their pension arrears through the state
pension's board chairman, Barrister Uwandu.

Chief Akudinanwa said they had planned to head to the streets in
protest to the non-payment of their pension arrears.

Chief Akudinanwa also debunked claims made by the Hon Commissioner for
Information, Mr Chidi Ibe that the problem of the non-payment of their
pension arrears was due to bank issues which have been resolved.

Chief Anozie who equally spoke to journalists also expressed concerns
as to why the pension arrears of secondary school teachers have been
cleared while theirs have been left pending. Some other members of
these elder statesmen and women who spoke behind the microphone asked
questions as to whether they have committed crimes by serving the
state and having retired meritoriously. The group also stated it clear
that they are demanding for their right and not a benefit.

Chief Akudinanwa Dan, secretary of the group and some members of the
group said within these 40 months of non-remittance of their pension
arrears that they have been living on charity. Chief Akudinanwa
further told journalists that they would have taken to the streets to
tell Imolites the truth, but in respect for the Hon Commissioner who
came on behalf of the governor. As at the time of filing this report,
a meeting has been scheduled between the state governor and the
retired primary school teachers. The group through their secretary
threatened to hit the streets of Owerri if their demands are not met
by Monday.