The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Akwa Ibom State has suspended its five-day-old strike after reaching a truce with the state government.

Akwa Ibom NUT, in a statement jointly signed its Chairman, Edet Emenyi and Secretary, Victor Amirize in Uyo on Sunday, announced the decision to call off the industrial action.

The NUT on March 15, declared strike over non payment of leave grant from 2017 and non payment of the 7.5 per cent contributory pension refunds to members among other demands.

In their Sunday issue, the union, however, noted that the suspension was sequel to negotiation between the government team led by Governor Udom Emmanuel and the leadership of NUT, led by Mr Emenyi.

The statement said that the government had agreed to begin immediate payment of leave grants from 2017 and 2018.

The NUT said that the government had also resolved to begin payment of one month minimum wage arrears to primary schools teachers.

“These understandings were arrived; the instalment payment of 2019, 2020 and 2021 leave grant to primary schools teachers.

“Payment of promotion arrears for six years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 to primary schools teachers. Immediate commencement of 2019, 2020, 2021 promotion exercise to teachers,” it stated.

The NUT directed teachers in primary and secondary schools to resume normal academic activities from March 21. 

NAN