By DADA AYOKHAI
Teachers in Edo State have expressed their frustration over being intentionally excluded from the payment of the 13th-month bonus, which they noted was granted to other state workers.
The teachers alleged that the non-payment of the 13th-month bonus to them seem like a deliberate act on the part of the state government.
In the spirit of the Yuletide season, Gov Okpevbolo ordered the payment of the 13th-month in December bonus to workers in both civil and public service.
They also lamented on not receiving their December salaries before the festive period, leaving them with difficult financial situations during the Christmas.
After waiting for so long without receiving the 13th-month salary bonus, the teachers stated that they lost hope and were forced to manage their meagre monthly salaries instead.
Those affected include both retired and currently serving teachers.
An anonymous teacher remarked that the delay in receiving their regular monthly salary was indicative that the 13th-month bonus was unlikely to materialize.
One of the aggrieved teachers posed a rhetorical question: “How can someone expect a 13th-month bonus in the middle of January?”
This situation has become a major concern for teachers in Edo State, who feel “neglected” in the overall government agenda.
The teachers are urging the newly sworn in commissioner for education,Dr Paddy Iyamu to investigate on why they were exempted.
As one teacher aptly summarized, “Is it a crime to be a teacher in Edo State?”
