From TCNEWS
A prominent Civil Society Organization dedicated to ensuring quality, inclusive, and affordable education in Nigeria known as Civil Society Action Coalition on Education For All, CSACEFA has issued a stern warning to the Abia State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT regarding their handling of retired teachers’ entitlements.
A statement released from the office of the South East Zonal Coordinator of CSACEFA, Mrs. Eunice Egbuna, and made available to our correspondent, stated that this warning stems from concerns over the prolonged delay and alleged political maneuvers surrounding the payment of deserved entitlements to retired teachers in Abia State.
Egbuna, who also serves as the State Coordinator of the Abia Retired Teachers Forum, ART-Forum in the release, expressed dismay over the inaction and bureaucratic hurdles faced by retired teachers during “a stressful verification exercise conducted by the Abia State NUT chapter”, which according to the release, lasted over a month.
The release decried that the exercise subjected the senior citizens to “an absurd screening process in an un-conducive environment, causing unnecessary distress and delay in receiving their rightful entitlements”.
According to the release, the reaction from CSACEFA followed previous correspondence from the Abia Retired Teachers Forum and Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) to the Abia State NUT, where they called for prompt action on the matter.
The release partly read, “Despite these efforts and the submission of official letters to relevant authorities including the office of the Abia State governor, CSACEFA, and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), there has been a glaring lack of tangible progress in resolving the issue.
“CSACEFA categorically condemns any attempt by the leadership of Abia State NUT to politicize the payment of retired teachers’ entitlements, which were deducted from their salaries during their years of service. Such actions not only constitute elderly abuse but also undermine the fundamental rights of retirees and erode trust in the education system, hence a gross attack on education. CSACEFA emphasizes the importance of fulfilling these obligations without further delay to ensure the well-being and dignity of retired teachers who have served the nation tirelessly.
“Furthermore, CSACEFA calls upon the Abia State government, the Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Labour Congress, and other relevant stakeholders to exert pressure on the Abia State NUT to expedite the payment process and uphold the rights of retired teachers. Failure to take decisive action on this matter would not only perpetuate injustice but also tarnish the reputation of Abia State as a defender of elderly rights and education equity”.
CSACEFA further urged all parties involved to prioritize the welfare of retired teachers and swiftly resolve the outstanding issues surrounding their entitlements for the sake of peace and justice in Abia State and in addition boost the good works of Governor Alex Otti, thereto.
