The attention of the Management of http://Newsbuka.com has been drawn to a rebuttal issued by the Abia State Secondary Education Management Board, SEMB, through the Public Relations Officer of the Board, regarding our recent publication on concerns raised by teachers in the Board.
We state as follows:
1. Independence
Newsbuka and its staff are not on the payroll of SEMB. Our publication was based on information and documents provided by teachers who alleged irregularities and called for redress.
2. Basis of Publication
The information contained in Newsbuka’s publication reflects the claims and opinions expressed by the teachers. They alleged long periods of victimisation and the non-payment of the Teachers Salary Structure, TSS, a salary structure applicable to teachers, similar to CONHESS for health workers, CONJUSS for judicial workers, and IPPIS for federal workers, among others.
3. Public Interest
As a reputable medium, Newsbuka published the concerns raised by the teachers in the public interest. The report also referenced issues alleged to have pre-dated the current acting leadership of SEMB.
4. Request for Clarification
The report also presented questions raised by the teachers regarding the directive to have removed TSS, and sought clarification on whether a circular from the Head of Service backed the directive, in line with standard public service procedure.
5. Allegation of Payments for Retirement Extension
On the allegation of payments for five-year retirement age extension, Newsbuka reported claims made by teachers. The report referenced a discussion alleged to have taken place between an SEMB official and one Mrs. Arungwa Ngozi Beatrice, Principal of Umule Secondary School, Aba. The parties involved are in possession of the materials (documents) relating to the allegation and will make them available to relevant authorities for investigation.
6. Allegation of Favouritism
Teachers also alleged favouritism in staff postings and welfare. One of the cases cited Mrs. Chimuanya Ruth Afari. The teachers stated that if she is on secondment, there should be a letter to that effect from the appropriate authority.
7. Allegation of Intimidation
The teachers further alleged cases of punitive transfers and intimidation of staff who demanded their rights, including instances where teachers were posted to classroom duties after questioning certain decisions.
In conclusion, Newsbuka remains committed to its role as a watchdog of society. We will continue to report matters of public interest.
We urge SEMB to address the issues raised rather than attack the messenger.
Signed:
Ugbana Nonso
Publisher, http://Newsbuka.com
We Are A Medium Playing Its Watchdog Role ~ Newsbuka
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