Strike: Gov Yusuf begs doctors over rift with Commissioner
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has urged the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to suspend its ongoing strike, warning that the industrial action could jeopardize the health of over 20 million Kano residents.
The appeal follows an alleged assault by the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Amina Abdullahi, on a female doctor at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, prompting the NMA to issue a 48-hour ultimatum for the commissioner’s dismissal.
Governor Yusuf expressed disappointment over the strike, describing the incident as a misunderstanding between two adults. He has set up a panel to investigate the matter.
The governor emphasized that the association had the option to allow the investigative panel to look into the matter and take appropriate action, instead of shutting down services and leaving innocent residents in need of medical care without assistance.
“I am aware of several industrial actions planned by the NMA that were later called off due to the strong working relationship between the doctors and the Kano State Government. The NMA understands how much the government values the welfare of doctors.
“When the incident was brought to my attention, I quickly formed a committee to investigate and report back within 48 hours. As we speak, the report is already on my desk, and I will take immediate action based on its findings.
“If they feel no one can intervene and they can’t wait for the outcome of the investigation, and their response is to go on strike, they cannot be allowed to put the lives of 20 million innocent residents at risk over a dispute between two individuals,” Yusuf stated.
The governor, who ultimately apologized on behalf of the government for the incident, urged the medical staff to end the strike in consideration of the pregnant women in need of care at the hospital. He also made it clear that any government official found guilty of misconduct would face consequences.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at NeptunePrime.
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