Retired primary school teachers and their relatives on Monday protested non-payment of their entitlements including gratuity and arrears in Uyo, capital of Akwa-Ibom.
They called on Governor Udom Emmanuel to effect payment of all the outstanding allowances in the New Year.
The State government through the Head of Civil Service of the state, Mrs. Ekerebong Akpan, claimed the state has paid all the entitlements.
But the protesters said it was on record retired primary school teachers have not been paid their gratuity since 2010, adding that pension arrears are owed ranging from 10 months and above.
“It is on record that retired primary school teachers are owed gratuity since 2010 till date, pension arrears are owed ranging from 10 months and above,” they said.
They also said the family of the dead people were totally neglected, adding that since 1991 till date, death gratuities have not paid been paid to next of kin.
The group accused the state government of not refunding the 7.5% contributory Pension money deducted from their salaries as was earlier agreed.
“7.5% contributory Pension money deducted from our salaries are not refunded to us as was agreed to be refunded at retirement,” they said.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Elder Obong Effiong Utip, said for each of the entitlements, they have done series of screenings, verification, submission of bank statement as well as documents without any positive result.
“For each of these monies there have been series of screening upon screening, verification upon verification, submission of bank statement time without numbered and all manner of documentation all to no avail,” he said.
Utip expressed frustration over the inability of the government of Akwa Ibom State to look into their plights after series of calls and written letters.
“Concerning the government of Akwa Ibom State, we have written series of letters to the Governor, we have contacted almost all the Commissioners but all these efforts are in vain,” he added.
