By Teryima Andrew
National President Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professional (NUAUP) Ogbonna Chimela who double as National Vice chairman Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) has said the associations might soon resume it suspended strike, following non complain on the part of federal government in fulfilling it promises to the Union.
Mr. Chimela made the position of the health association known, Thursday in Jos, while addressing Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Edmond Banwat during a courtesy call.
According to him, the association “JOHESU”
has already issued a 30 day ultimatum to continue it suspended strike, which began on the 5th of March, terminating April 17th, 2018, after which it will commence an indefinite strike.
JOHESU vice President said the impeding strike shall be indefinite, and all members including it local government health workers shall join in the strike.
Mr. Chimela said JOHESU were not scared of government witch hunting them “no body should threaten us with no work no pay.”
He directs his members to be ready to face hardship should the strike kick start “I charge you to go get enough food stuff, because it might be a long strike, we have been fooled so many times, if they will not listen to us, our action will speak; until our demands are totally met.”
Mr. Chimela explained further that federal government has fail to honour the agreement reached between it and the union, which lead to the suspension of it nationwide strike last year September, seven months ago.
“Enough of singing of agreement, we must not be chicken out” should government fail in reaching out to us by 17th April, we will resume our strike.
According to him, Nigeria’s entire health system will be paralysed in the next strike, should the Federal Government fails to meet the demands of health workers, the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has said.
“This one is the mega strike. If it begins, it will start with the Federal, then States will join, the Local Governments will join. Let the health system in Nigeria be paralysed for the first time.”
According to JOHESU vice chairman, federal government have deliberately refused to honour the agreement reached on it legitimate welfare of members, but have settled medical doctors.
Responding, Chief Medical Director of the Jos University Teaching Hospital JUTH Prof Edmond Banwat appeal to the JOHESU not to be confrontation, but government will listen to their plight.
“Confrontation should be the last option; I, assure you that your massage shall be delivered to Mr President, President Muhammadu Buhari is a listing President, he shall attend to your issues.”
I will suggest that you do everything humanly possible to avoid another round of strike.” CMD advised.
