Approximately 100 primary and secondary school teachers employed by the Rivers State Government have protested at the Government House in Port Harcourt, expressing dissatisfaction over their alleged exclusion from the N100,000 Christmas bonus approved for civil servants by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The protesters contended that, unlike other civil servants in the state who received their Christmas bonuses along with their December 2023 salaries, they were omitted from the benefit.
Governor Fubara’s approval of the bonus for each civil servant had earlier sparked jubilation among workers and labor unions in the state.\
Related News: Rivers Elders Warn Fubara Against Implementing Tinubu-Mediated Resolutions
Occupying the Government House, the disgruntled teachers voiced their displeasure, urging the state government to intervene in the matter.
One of the teachers, identified as Oke, expressed, “We were so happy when we heard that the governor approved a N100,000 Christmas bonus for all civil servants. So we assumed that the last Christmas was going to be very great for us. But as we speak today, this is January, a few of us, as you can see, have not received the Christmas bonus.”
Oke emphasized the significance of the bonus in alleviating the financial challenges faced by the teachers, particularly in January.
Other speakers accused their banks and the state Universal Basic Education Board of neglecting the issue.
An official from the government addressed the protesting teachers, commending their peaceful conduct and assuring them that their complaints would be thoroughly examined.
You can also read: Protests Escalate, Plateau Women Set Traditional Ruler’s Residence Ablazed