TheCable

Primary school teachers in Auchi, Etsako West local government area of Edo, have protested alleged foul play between the state government and Afeamai Microfinance Bank, resulting in delay in payment of their January salaries.

On behalf of the teachers, who stormed the bank where they receive their salaries in hundreds, Ogah Eromosele  accused the bank of withholding their salaries while other teachers in the state had received their salaries. He wondered why they had not received theirs.

“Some of our colleagues in other banks have received their salary alert and up till now, our money is yet to be paid,” he said.

“We went to seek explanation from the local government authority and we were told that the problem is from the state ICT centre in Benin. This excuse they gave us is unacceptable.”

Joshua Imheneganha, the managing director of the bank, denied the allegation of withholding the money, adding that the bank is yet to receive the teachers’ salary from the state government.

“The bank cannot receive workers salary and refuse to credit their account,” he said.

“It is only when the government disburses money to us that we can pay.”

Imheneganha advised the teachers to seek information from the relevant authorities about why their salaries had not been paid rather than accuse the bank of withholding money.

Michael Ekhaisomi, secretary to Etsako West local government education authority, declined to comment on the issue.