Fury in Abia as headmistress, Mrs. Maryleen Ezich got demoted, transferred for demanding salary pay

www.odogwublog.com reports that the alleged demotion and transfer of a headmistress in Abia State has sparked fury among stakeholders in the education sector and labour unions across the state.

The victim, Mrs. Maryleen Ezichi , a headmistress  of Amaetiti Primary School, Asaga Ohafia, in Ohafia Local Government Area, was allegedly demoted to a classroom teacher for allegedly 'embarrassing ' wife of the state governor, Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu.

According to reports, the governor's wife had gone to the school last week for the launch of free meal programme when the headmistress who was earlier prevented from reading her written address made the ' offensive remark'.

She was asked to give a vote of thanks when she pleaded with the governor's wife to prevail on the husband to pay teachers of their five months salary arrears, complaining that hunger was biting hard on them.

Her comments which attracted great ovation from the audience were considered an embarrassment to government as she was later invited to Umuahia where the alleged letter of demotion and transfer was handed to her.

She was transferred to Ukwa East Local Government Area, a distance of about  140 kilometers from Ohafia.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teacher ( NUT) in the state, Mr. Chizobem Akparanta said the union would investigate the matter.

He vowed that NUT would not allow any of its  members to be victimized or intimidated for standing for her rights.

Akparanta said NUT's position on the matter would be made public after its investigations.

Similarly, the factional Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Obigwe said the union would take action as soon as the matter is officially reported to NLC.

NLC vowed to defend workers in the state from intimidation and victimisation.

However, when contacted Commissioner for Education, Professor Ikechi Mgboji said he was not yet aware of the development but promised to investigate it.

The Commissioner further said he did not believe the woman would be demoted and transferred  without due process.

Similarly, the Chairman of Abia State Universal Basic Education Board, (ASUBEB) Mr. Kenechukwu Nwosu said he had been away from the state for two weeks and was unaware of the development.