Otti Speaks on Teachers Recruitment, Says Pensioners Were Dishonest

Governor Alex Otti has stated that he is unaware of any disengagement of teachers in the state. He encouraged any teachers who meet the criteria set by the state government to take advantage of the waiver and apply for teacher enrollment.

“I am not aware that teachers were disengaged. However, if they qualify based on the criteria we have established, they can apply for the new recruitment,” he said.

Governor Otti emphasized that education is free in the state, as there are no school fees for primary and secondary schools in Abia State.

“We have set up task forces to ensure that no child is seen on the street during school hours. We have lifted the ban on recruitment and are currently hiring teachers. Education is free in Abia State, and parents are responding by enrolling their children. We are also providing intensive training for existing teachers, and many have benefited from this initiative.”

During a media chat titled “Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” held at the government house in Umuahia, he announced that the arrears owed to the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) have been paid. He mentioned that a negotiation was reached with the pensioners who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). He accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of creating confusion among the pensioners, stating, “Somebody owed you for ten years, and when someone agreed to clear it off, you claimed to be deceived into signing a document. When we assumed office, we committed to clearing the arrears and began doing so, but there was dishonesty on the part of the pensioners. If they want to return to the negotiation table, they should return the money that was paid to them and resolve the dispute. Genuine pensioners are pleased to receive their pensions on the 28th of every month. Those complaining are contractors hired by the individuals who owed them pensions for many years. Why didn’t they sue those people?”

The Governor also urged Abians to refrain from producing fake products following a raid by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Eziukwu Road, where traders were found producing counterfeit soft drinks and wines.

Recall that the State Government had lifted a ban on teachers employment and encouraged Abians who are qualified to apply for the positions to click on the link to begin application.