The Federal Government has pleaded with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, to suspend its ongoing warning strike.
The Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made the appeal during a meeting with NARD leaders in Abuja, saying the government was making efforts to address the association’s concerns.
DAILY POST recalls that the doctors declared a seven-day warning strike in protest against the abduction of its members, especially Dr. Popoola Ganiyat who was abducted eight months ago.
In a statement on Friday by the Head, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Patience Onuobia, the minister stated that the government was committed to citizens’ safety and assured that efforts were underway to address the doctors’ concerns.
Onyejeocha urged the doctors to consider their professional and humanitarian role, and the potential risks to patients’ lives due to the strike.
She stated that President Bola Tinubu has been engaging with security agencies to resolve the issue and has directed increased security measures around hospital facilities.
The minister assured NARD that the government was working to secure the release of their kidnapped colleagues.
Onyejeocha also said President Tinubu remained committed to protecting lives and properties and to ensuring that “these conditions do not persist.”
The Minister said: “I plead with you that work is ongoing, and to please rescind the decision to continue the warning strike because I know that as we speak, people who are not kidnapped are dying, and I know you’re passionate about the lives and health of your brothers and sisters who are in the hospitals.
“This strike is well noted, but of course, you know that seven days is too much. People die in under one hour if they do not have any doctor to attend to them.”
She expressed sympathy for the families of kidnapped victims who tragically lost their lives.