A’Ibom Government threatens to sack striking health workers
The Akwa Ibom State Government has threatened to sack any of its employees who participates in the planned industrial action by the Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU) in the State. Chairmen of Akwa Ibom branch of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Patrick Odu; Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Godwin Archibong and Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, Aniebiet Obot, had earlier accused the Akwa Ibom state government of being insensitive to workers’ plights.
The Union through their leaders had called on the government to recruit more health workers because of the shortfall occasioned by death and retirement, demanded the immediate reinstatement of the sacked 720 local government workers, majority of whom are health workers and clamoured for a release of the circular on implementation of the agreed 80 per cent of the National Consolidated Health Salary Structure.
But in their Response, the Government through a Statement by the Commissioner of Information, said the planned strike was unlawful and unreasonable. “The attention of Akwa Ibom State Government has been drawn to an ill conceived industrial action embarked upon by the Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU) over an unreasonable demand for payment of 50% of basic salaries as hazard allowance in this harsh economic climate.
“Against this backdrop, the government is constrained to state that it is unreasonable and also unlawful for healthcare professionals to embark on any form of strike action during the period of Coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, a full complement of related healthcare professionals are expected at their duty posts unfailingly, as required by the terms and conditions of their employment. Any staff not found on duty will be considered to be no longer interested in the job and will be relieved of such duty with immediate effect. The relevant health authorities have been mandated to conduct headcount. The state government has made adequate arrangements to ensure that those who are interested in performing their lawful duties are allowed to do so without disruption or molestation of any sort.
The Government further accused politicians of being behind the planned protest and added that Securities agencies have been fully briefed for necessary actions. “Government is aware that the ill conceived industrial action and blatant act of sabotage by JOHESU is sponsored by political detractors with an underlying intent to vandalize healthcare facilities in the state. Security agencies in the state have been fully briefed to ensure the continued protection of lives and property, using all legal means,” the statement read.