Bayelsa Placates Striking Teachers

The Bayelsa State Government yesterday began the augmentation of primary school teachers’ salaries, following the strike action embarked upon by the angry workers.  The government said it had reviewed its earlier position to withdraw completely from the funding of primary school teachers’ salaries which is the responsibility of the local councils.  “After much deliberations the parties arrived at the following resolutions: That the Governor has approved the augmentation and immediate payment of the February salaries to primary school staff in the state” a communique signed after a meeting of the contending parties noted. 

The government also agreed to halt the deduction of monies for Identity Cards from teachers in the state, stressing that the funds have already been paid to the local councils. “It is hereby resolved that the deduction of money for I.D. cards from primary school staff already carried out by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) should be stopped forthwith”, the government said.  Meanwhile the Bayelsa State Executive Council yesterday commended governor Dickson for what it described as “the prompt release of funds to augment the payment of primary school staff salaries, for the month of February”.