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FG Moves To Avert NMA Strike
The Federal Government, yesterday, took a bold step by convening a stakeholders’ meeting to resolve the teething demands of members of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) as a means of averting the looming nationwide strike billed to commence on January 6, 2014.
Addressing State House Correspondents shortly after the first lap of the meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan said that the meeting was presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Uduaghan also disclosed that the meeting with the President was to avert the planned warning strike by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
He said the President summoned the meeting to find a lasting solution to industrial strikes in the medical sector.
Uduaghan said that the President had conceded to certain conditions that would likely stop the proposed warning strike.
“There were issues that have been raised by the NMA for which members are threatening to go on warning strike that will last for five days.
“The President called a stakeholders’ meeting this afternoon to look at the issues again. “We are now going for another meeting slated for 5.00 pm.
“At least, there are certain things that the President has consented to and I believe that by the time we finish the meeting, there will be some resolutions.
“Our determination is to ensure that the full blown strike of January 6 is averted because we cannot afford another strike in the health sector.
“One minute of strike in the health sector by whatever body could be very disastrous,” he said.
Others at the meeting with the President were Ministers of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Labour, Chukwuemeka Wogu, and Executive Chairman, National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, Chief Richard Egbule.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Medical Association, yesterday, called on prominent individuals to intervene in its face off with the Federal Government.
The Chairman, Plateau State chapter of the association, Dr Chris Yilgwan, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen.
NMA had gone on a warning strike in December to press its demand for improved condition of service and other issues.
Yilgwan told newsmen that the union would be forced to embark on a full blown strike from January 6 if the government did not accede to its demands.
He said that doctors’ poor working condition had continued to lead to brain drain in the health sector as many seek greener pasture abroad.
“The brain drain in the health sector has led to one Nigerian doctor attending to 5000 patients.
“This is far away from the real World Health Organisation (WHO) prescription of one doctor to 600 patients,
“It is therefore the resolve of the association to awaken government, at all levels, to address this demand.
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RSG INAUGURATES ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMITTEE
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to organize the celebration of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) in the State.
The committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
Dr Anabraba who also serves as Chairman of the Committee
highlighted the State Government’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the nation’s peace and unity.
“These heroes have given their lives for the security and peace of our nation and deserve to be celebrated. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifice,” he said.
Dr. Anabraba further extended recognition to all Security Agencies in the State, emphasizing the importance of the event in appreciating their contributions to national security and sovereignty.
The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed on January 15 across the country is dedicated to remember Nigeria’s departed soldiers and honouring the nation’s veterans.
