Children of Late Teachers Protest in Akwa Ibom

Udom Gabriel, Governor of Akwa Ibom

Hundreds of children and relations of late teachers in primary schools protested in Uyo on Monday against non-payment of their parents’ gratuities by Akwa Ibom State Government.

The protesters, under the aegis of Association of Next-of-Kin of Late Primary School Teachers, barricaded the gate to the Government House for several hours.

They demanded to be given attention by Gov. Udom Emmanuel.

The leader of the association, Mr David Essien, said the affected families had written several letters but to no avail.

Essien said the dead teachers had served the state government for upward of 35 years before retirement.

“Some of the dead teachers served and retired as far back as 1999, yet nothing to show for services they rendered for the state before they died”, Essien said.

Another protester, Mr Nsima Akpan, said his late mother, Magdalene Akpan, served for 35 years at Government Primary School, Mbiabam Ibiono in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.

Akpan added that his mother died about three months to her retirement.

“Up till now, the family has not received anything like benefits in form of gratuity or pension as part of her reward for serving the state up to that period.

NAN