Non-payment of salaries, senate intervenes

– The Senate has urged the federal government to immediately come up with comprehensive intervention offset the outstanding salaries of teachers across the country

– This decision was taken after a motion sponsored by Dino Melaye, chairman, Senate committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

The Senate on Tuesday, July 12, urged the federal government, states and local governments to pay outstanding salary to teachers across the country.

This decision was taken after a motion sponsored by Dino Melaye, chairman, Senate committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The motion was titled non-payment of teachers salaries across the country.

The Senate also urged the federal government to immediately enter into negotiations with the states and come up with a comprehensive intervention scheme to fully address this national emergency for action.

It also urged government at all levels to begin the implementation of a priority expenditure scheme that puts the payment of teachers salaries at the same wrung on public expenditures as security.

Melaye who read the motion said that the Senate is disturbed by the difficult financial situation that some states are experiencing because of the current dwindling economic situation.

He said the Senate is worried and should be treated as a national emergency that requires drastic measures because teachers are the heart of the education system.

Deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu said that teachers are a priority and the country should appreciate and value what they add to individuals.

“I was a teacher and my wife was a teacher. There are many teachers in my family so I understand that teachers are one of the most productive people in the country.

“Politicians, pensioners and soldiers are paid but our teachers who are training our children are not paid.

“We should change the mindset that teachers don’t derserve their pay as they should be paid when  when due,”he said.

He queried how the federal government planned to hire more teachers when those currently employed were not being paid.

“You cannot increase employment  without coming out with a plan,” he said.

However, Senate President Bukola Saraki said the motion needs a holistic approach and a solution must be found.

“We must find solution to clearing arreas of salaries. There is no need to fund  building of schools when there are no teachers.

“We hope this will be the beginning of the end of this problem in the country,” he said.

He however thanked his colleagues to their efforts in bringing the motion on the floor of the Senate.

The Federal Government had earlier given bail out funds to 23 distressed states.

Some of these states include Imo, Delta, Enugu, Ekiti, Oyo, Kebbi, Osun, Ondo among others.

However, some of these beneficiary states still have difficulties paying salaries.