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Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), in Rivers State have appealed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to implement the Court of Appeal judgement ordering the payment of salaries and allowances of staff of Demonstration Schools in Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, and other demonstration schools in the state.
The CSOs said salaries of the affected teachers were stopped by the Rivers State Government since February, 2016, lamenting that their deplorable condition has become a source of social concern.
In a passionate appeal jointly signed and read by its Chairman, Enefaa Georgewill, the coalition on Wednesday, said its mission was not to insult or embarrass the government, but to humbly appeal to the governor and relevant authorities to pay the outstanding salaries, allowances and other emoluments of the staff.
The coalition noted that all litigations surrounding the matter are now over, following the judgement of the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt on May 18, 2026.
According to the CSOs, the appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by the Rivers State Government with reference No. CA/PH/341/2022, challenging the National Industrial Court decision which pronounced the affected staff as valid and subsisting employees of the university.
“The court directed the Rivers State Government in specific terms to pay all salaries, allowances and emoluments due to staff from the date of the unlawful stoppage till the date of compliance with the order,” the statement said.
The group urged the state government to give effect to the judgement in the interest of justice, peace, good governance and respect for the rule of law.
It stressed that by virtue of Section 243(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and the National Industrial Court Act, the Court of Appeal is the final arbiter in labour matters, adding that the judgement is final, conclusive and binding on all parties, including the state government.
The CSOs expressed concern that more than three months after the judgement was delivered, nothing has been done, leaving the affected staff unattended to.
“We have expected that immediately the court pronouncement was made, the Rivers State Government would live up to its responsibilities and make full commitment to obeying the court order,” the group said.
It noted that for 10 years, the staff have shown resilience, continued to discharge their duties, kept faith in the judiciary and endured bureaucratic and systemic challenges.
The coalition lamented the excruciating pain, hardship, psychological trauma and physical deprivation the staff have suffered for over 10 years after being deprived of their means of livelihood.
The CSOs acknowledged that Governor Fubara has demonstrated a humane disposition in protecting vulnerable members of the society and commitment to the welfare of civil servants, saying that was why his urgent intervention was needed.
They prayed the governor to issue an executive directive for the immediate reinstatement of the staff to their respective offices with full restoration of seniority, rights, privileges and academic ranks.
They also demanded immediate computation and payment of all outstanding salaries and allowances from February, 2016 to the date of full compliance, and directed the leadership of the university and the Ministry of Justice to ensure seamless implementation without further bureaucratic delay.
The group further urged that the same gesture be extended to other demonstration school teachers in Rivers State whose cases are similar in nature.
“Your Excellency’s intervention in this matter will not only leave a permanent legacy for your administration, but also create lasting impact in restoring humanity,” the CSOs added.
Ends.
