Anambra Assembly Orders Payment Of Salaries To All Beneficiaries On Extension Of Teachers Service

In a plenary session of Thursday, 6th August, 2020. The Anambra state House of Assembly considered a report of the House Committee on Public Petitions on the petition titled, “Re-cancellation of extension and continuation of teachers’ service age of 60 to 65 years”.

The report was read out thus by the committee Chairman on Public Petitions, and Member Representing Orumba North constituency, Hon. Emeka Aforka.

“The Nigerian Union of Teachers (Anambra chapter) had petitioned attempts by some named persons in the relevant ministry that are pressing for the cancellation of the policy on the state policy of extension of teachers’ service age from sixty(60) to sixty-five (65) years.

The petitioners further alleged that there seemed to be a sinister attempt by the named persons to witch hunt some teachers stationed at some three local governments comprising Idemili North, Ihala and Nnewi South LGAs.

However, the petitioners prayed the Honourable House to enact an enabling law that will strengthen the policy on extension and to further explain to His Excellency, Governor Willie Obiano the implications of canceling the policy.

Above all, they prayed the State Assembly to compel the appropriate authority to commence the payment of salaries of some of the beneficiaries of this policy whose salary were withheld.

In light of the above, the House reverted to committee on the whole where general observations where made by the Lawmakers and each technically debated upon resulting to these recommendations:

The lawmakers resolved that the extension policy of the State Governor, Dr. Willie M. Obiano be maintained for the five years it was originally planned.

They also resolved that in the interim of the ministry of Basic Education and Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) cease from further engagement of new beneficiaries until proper assessment is done on the present beneficiaries.

Lastly, they resolved that all beneficiaries in Anambra State who have not been paid since January, 2020 should be paid their entitlements immediately and for the ASUBEB Chair to report due compliance to the House of Assembly after one month from the date of the resolutions as resolved in the affirmative.