As the alligator continues to bite hard on the Health Sector, the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole has denied knowledge of the strike action prior to its onset.
The Minister said this during a meeting held earlier this week with the striking Health workers under the auspices of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), the union leaders refuted his claims as bogus while presenting the notice given to the Ministry in notification of the strike action.
While speaking on the strike, the Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige stated that as Health care providers, it is illegal to go on strike thus crippling the Health Sector. He also said that he did not receive a notification of the strike directly, as the only notice he got was from the Secretary General of the Federation (SGF) and the Vice President.
The Union’s leader, Comrade Josiah Biobelemoye, said that the strike embarked upon by the Union is legal, as all due processes required was followed; 30days warning and the last 7days before the Minister of Health finally gave them an invitation.
Due to a communication gap, the Union arrived at the office of the Minister by 2pm, expecting the meeting to start by 3pm instead of the stipulated 4pm, and then left the venue almost 4pm as the Minister failed to show up.
The Union then asked for a reschedule of the meeting for Friday, but was informed that the Minister would be attending Governor Rochas Okorocha’s birthday in Imo State that same week. Advising both parties, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Ayuba Wabba said the occurrence of future strike actions should be avoided.
“As a result of the ongoing negotiation between JOHESU and the Federal Government, the leadership of JOHESU wish to inform all members that negotiation is ongoing and the strike continues nationwide in all Federal health institutions and further directives will be given after meeting with Federal Government on Saturday, 30th September 2017. In the light of the above, State Councils are further directed to put on hold the commencement of their strike initially billed for Thursday, 28th of September 2017, due to the ongoing talks”, as contained in a statement issued by JOHESU.
JOHESU also commended its members nationwide for their steadfastness and expresses hope that the Government utilizes this opportunity in meeting the Union’s demands. The Union’s strike tagged “Operation Alligator Bite”, commenced since September 20.
