JOHESU vows to continue strike

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) in North Central zone on Tuesday  have vowed to continue with the ongoing industrial action until the government meet their demands, saying, no court order would deter them from pressing their demands. 

At a joint meeting of the unions  in Lokoja which comprises of members from all the North Central states of the country including Abuja, the Secretary General of JOHESU, Comrade Silas Ademu, alleged that some government officials saddled with the responsibility of negotiating with the union for a purposeful and peaceful settlement were the same people thwarting the effort of the government. 

According to him, all the meetings the union held with government delegates could not yield result due to lack of sincerity and honesty on the side of the government representatives, adding that "it is high time the union members take their destiny in their hands by keeping the fight on even in the face of hunger and intimidation".

Comrade Ademu who said the unions are yet to receive any court injunction,  berated the NGO that claimed to have gone to secure an injunction from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN),  Abuja to destabilise the unions from fighting for their right. 

He urged health workers to remain calm and resolute as the industrial action continues.

In his remark,  the Kogi state Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Onuh Edoka revealed that in the history and struggle of Labour Unions in the country,  the achievements of workers welfare by the unions have never come on a platter of gold. 

Edoka added that the unions have never had it easy in the hands of any government,  urging the health workers to be resolute in the pursuit of their rights and wellbeing no matter the suffering and intimidation"

Also speaking, the Chairperson of National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives,  Abuja chapter,  Comrade Deborah Yusuf described the situation as pathetic,  appealing to government to do the needful in the interest of the masses who can not afford  health services in the private hospitals.