…Reaffirms commitment to citizens’ safety
From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Federal Government has appealed to the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to call off its ongoing warning strike, as the government is working to address the association’s challenges.
The strike is in protest against the abduction of its members, especially Dr Popoola Ganiyat, abducted eight months ago.
In a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja on Friday by the Head of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry, Patience Onuobia said the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made the appeal during a meeting with NARD leaders in Abuja.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to citizens’ safety and assured that efforts are underway to address the association’s 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 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 is working to secure the release of their kidnapped colleagues.
Onyejeocha also emphasised that the President 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.
NARD President, Dr Dele Abdullahi Olaitan, explained that the warning strike resulted from frustration after failed attempts to secure the release of their kidnapped colleagues, especially Dr Popoola Ganiyat, a breastfeeding mother of five, who had been in captivity since 27th December 2023, and Dr Fadahunsi, recently abducted in Kogi State.
He emphasized the need for the government to address the frequent abduction of healthcare workers and to fulfil its duty to protect lives and properties.
