BENUE NURSES' STRIKE NOT POLITICALLY MOTIVATED, CHIEF OF STAFF CLARIFIES
The Benue State Government has disclosed that Governor Hyacinth Alia was not formally briefed on the ongoing industrial action by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, despite the strike lasting over seven weeks.
The revelation emerged when the state leadership of NANNM, led by the Chairman, Kershio Tahav, alongside the State Secretary, Amanyi Margaret, and a former Chairman of the union, Grace Iorhe, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Moses Atagher, at the Government House in Makurdi.
During the interaction, Atagher said the Governor was only aware of the strike embarked upon by the Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, and had no official briefing on the nurses’ action.
He explained that calls placed to the Office of the Head of Service and other relevant government offices showed that those statutorily responsible for labour matters were also unaware of the nurses’ strike.
The Chief of Staff dismissed reports alleging that the industrial action was infiltrated or motivated by opposition elements, describing such claims as misleading and unfounded.
According to him, the Governor could not have made such allegations, having not been informed of the nurses’ strike in the first place.
Atagher reaffirmed that the Office of the Head of Service remained the appropriate body to lead negotiations with labour unions, adding that the Head of Service, in collaboration with the Special Adviser on Labour Matters and other stakeholders, would soon convene a meeting to address the concerns raised by the nurses.
He urged members of the union to remain united and resolute while awaiting the commencement of formal dialogue.
The union leadership, however, maintained that the strike would continue until meaningful engagement is initiated.
“Aluta continua,” the union declared.
Signed:
Ikpeekor Daniel
State PRO, NANNM
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