- Mr. Knabayi informed that the strike suspension is in effect from October 2 to November 13
The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in the Federal Capital Territory has decided to pause its ongoing strike for a duration of six weeks, following FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s intervention.
Chairman of the union, Stephen Knabayi, stated in an interview in Abuja on Monday, “We reconsidered our stance and temporarily halted the strike due to the involvement of the FCT minister.”
Mr. Knabayi informed that the strike suspension is in effect from October 2 to November 13, allowing for the implementation of commitments made by the chairmen of the six area councils and the FCT minister.
The NUT in FCT had commenced an indefinite strike on September 11, demanding payment of 40 per cent peculiar allowances and settling other outstanding dues.
Mr Knabayi explained that the strike was suspended after an agreement was reached between the striking teachers and the area councils chairmen following the minister’s intervention.
He added that a six-man committee was also set up and inaugurated to find a lasting solution.
“We proceeded on strike over seven issues. Five of them, we have an agreement for their implementation with effect from October.
The other two issues – peculiar allowances and payment of minimum wage arrears, the minister has agreed to intervene with an agreement for their implementation in four weeks.
“So, we suspended the strike for six weeks to enable the minister to take action and see to the implementation of the commitments,” he said.
The chairman commended Mr Wike for the intervention, which he described as “timely and impactful.”
“Also, the council chairman of Abaji, Mr Abubakar Abdullahi, has already commenced payment of teachers. This is an indication of their readiness to meet the agreement,” Mr Knabayi said.
He identified communication gap as one of the major issues affecting the relationship between the union and the councils’ chairmen.
Mr Knabayi stressed that they embarked on the strike because no one told them anything about their entitlement and when they would be paid.