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By Young E. Freeborn, Warri
A socio-political group, consisting of teachers in Delta State and known as Delta Teachers in Politics (DTP), has been inaugurated in Ughelli town, the headquarters of Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The event, which was chaired by the state’s NUT chairman, Comr. Titus Okotie, represented by the Ughelli North NUT chairman, Comr. Austin Ovuevuraye, was held at the Teachers House in Ughelli town and brought together school heads and teachers from both public and private schools across the 25 local government areas of the state.
Presenting his inaugural address before the inauguration, the state coordinator of the pressure group, Comr. Andrew Darah, said that the aim of the organization is to create political awareness amongst its members and to also harness the various political potentials of teachers in Delta State.
Hear him: “It is a great honour and privilege to put together this event which shall mark the birth of a socio-political group of the teaching profession known as Delta Teachers In Politics (DTP).
“It should be recalled that, since 8th July, 1931 when the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) was formed at CMS Grammar School, Lagos, the major objective has been to protect teachers’ rights, oppose measures that are inimical to their interest. The NUT today is a symbol of professionalism and pursues Trade Union objective.
“What then is Delta Teachers In Politics? Delta Teachers In Politics is a socio-political association formed by teachers in Delta State.
“This group cuts across all strata of educational institutions in Delta State with reference to teachers in primary and post-primary educational institutions. Members of this group are teachers who have duly registered under the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). The aim of this socio-political association is to create political awareness amongst its members. The membership of the association is also open to all teachers in Delta State,” he said.
The Ughelli North NUT chairman, Comr. Austin Ovuevuraye, who represented the state NUT chairman at the occasion, advised the state coordinator of the group and his executive to run an all-inclusive leadership by working in partnership with the state NUT, and warned that the new organization has no affiliation to any political party or relationship with any politician or government functionary.
“Let it be known that, this socio-political association has no affiliations to any political party in Delta State here or at the federal level. It has no relationship with any politician or government official. It’s formed to cater and fight for the political interests and needs of teachers in the state.
“Teachers are citizens of this country and by our constitution have rights to participate in the political process of this country. We have rights to vote during elections and also to be voted for. This is the main objective of forming this association. The association is never being sponsored by any politician or political party or group. Therefore, I want to appeal to all teachers in the state to join this group as there are many benefits to enjoy when we speak with one voice,” he said.
The Ughelli North NUT chairman, Comr Ovuevuraye later inaugurated the executives of the state and local government chapters of the Delta Teachers In Politics (DTP) to pilot the affairs of the group.
