Govt dragged us to court, but was absent, say striking doctors

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), has said that the federal government dragged it to court, yet was absent when the case was to be mentioned for hearing.

NARD, however, said that it was aware of the sufferings Nigerians are going through as a result of the ongoing industrial action by its members.

It, however, attributed the sufferings Nigerians are going through to government’s insincerity.

In a statement signed by its President, President, Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, NARD said: “I want to deeply on the behalf of all resident doctors in Nigeria thank you wholeheartedly for the show of love and empathy towards our cause.

“We are not unaware of the sufferings you all are going through due to government insincerity of purpose.

“It is 120 days TODAY since we headed your call to call off our industrial action following government memorandum of action.

“It is 5 years and 11 months since we signed the Memorandum Of Terms Of Settlement (MOTOS), yet Government has reneged.

“As you are aware, today the Government sued us to the National Industrial Court for adjudication.

“As a law-abiding association, we were in court as summoned, but the ministry of Labour was absent, and only the ministry of Health was present representing the federal government. The case was adjourned to 15th September 2021.

“We once again appeal to Nigerians to bear with us because a hungry Doctor is a dangerous doctor.

“We are hopeful the Government shall do the needful as it pertains the welfare of our members thus curbing the ugly incidence of Brain drain.

“Together we can. God bless the beautiful people of Nigeria.”