Widows of late teachers, next of kins snub Akwa Ibom Govt

By IDONGESIT ASHAMERI

A coalition of widows/next of kin of late primary teach­ers in Akwa Ibom State on Monday took to the streets to protest alleged government failure to keep to it promise on payment of gratuities and pension to it members.

The group alleged that gov­ernment pledge was in bid to stop the proposed protest.

The protesters, who stormed Government House as early as 8a.m. displayed plac­ards of various inscriptions, one of which gave an indica­tion that government was not sincere about the payment.

Other inscriptions read “We don’t want radio pay­ment again; “Government is not sincere about payment of our gratuities and pension among others”.

Secretary of the coalition, Mr. Benjamin Benson, who spoke with newsmen at en­trance of Government House, explained that they embarked on the protest because govern­ment information about pay­ment was impromptu.

“We embarked on this peaceful protest today be­cause government has failed to keep to its agreement on the payment of gratuities and pensions to both the liv­ing and next of kin of retired primary school teachers. We are here in continued protest to the lingering issue.

“We know that the in­formation that came out on Friday from the state govern­ment about commencement of payment was not premed­itated.” (Daily INDEPENDENT)