LG autonomy: Let our salaries remain with state govt

PRIMARY school teachers in Benue State in their hundreds marched round major streets of Makurdi, Benue State capital and pleaded not to transfer their salaries to local government even if granted autonomy.

Local government areas in the country had been agitating for autonomy which they claimed would aid rapid development at the grassroots level.

Primary school teachers in the state while supporting autonomy at the third tier of government, however, called on federal government to place their salaries with the state government.

Benue teachers on Tuesday  carried play cards with various inscriptions such as; ‘payment of primary school teachers’ salaries must not be toyed with,’ ‘our children future must be secured,’ ‘we say no to the blockage of non-payment of salaries, ‘Education is pivotal of all development.’ Etcetera.

The state chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Yiaseh Michael who spoke at the rally submitted that the union was not against the agitation for local government autonomy but said that they were not comfortable with transferring of their salaries to the council area.

The state union leader in his speech cola outed that primary education and its contents be put on first line charge by the federal government with respect to the payment of teachers salaries and other allowances.

Michael said while the autonomy is granted federal government should handover primary school teachers funding to the state, including payment of salaries and allowances.

He also enjoined federal government to ensure that basic education and all levels of education was properly administered and funded.

According to him, “the success of any system of education is hinged on proper planning, efficient administration, and adequate funding.”

“We, therefore, conclude that there should be a clear distinct layout responsibility for the efficient funding and management of primary education among the three tiers of governance,” Michael concluded.