Ogun public school strike: Parents condemn teachers’ action

James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

As the industrial action embarked upon by public primary and secondary schools teachers in Ogun state enters day two yesterday, the State chapter of the Parent Teachers Association, has called on the State government to urgently ‘look’ into the grievances of the striking teachers.

The state chapter of the Parent- Teacher Association (PTA) faulted the strike, declaring that the present economic situation in the country did not warrant such step.

The teachers, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Academic Staff Union of Secondary School Teachers (ASUSST) commenced a state wide strike over inability of the government to meet up with their demand.

Leaders of the two unions had vowed to commence an indefinite strike, after what they described as the failure of the governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun to meet with them personally, instead of sending government officials.

Addressing newsmen in Abeokuta, the NUT and ASSUS leaders said they embarked on an indefinite strike because the governor had refused to pay 27.5 per cent salary increase he promised to pay them last year October, payment of their allowance, and deductions from their salaries among others.

Chairman of ASUSS in the state, Akeem Lasisi, said the governor was scheduled to meet with the leaders of the unions on Saturday, January 17, but sent some government officials instead.

The state PTA chairman, Pastor Peculiar Aboluwaji Treasure in a chat with newsmen, condemned the strike, lamenting that understanding on the part of the teachers was “regrettably not shown.”

Meanwhile, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has assured residents of the state that the proposed Local Council Development Areas, LCDA planned by his administration will be created immediately after the February 28 governorship election.

He said, the proposed LCDAs will be in operation before the expiration of his first term in office in May.

He disclosed that his plan was to create about 30 Local Council Development Areas which will make the whole local government and local council areas in the State to become 50.