Doctors in Kogi State have suspended their 10-day old strike to give room for dialogue with the State Government.
In a statement issued after its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) in Lokoja on Saturday, signed by its Chairman, Dr. Godwin Tijani, the association said the decision to suspend the strike was unanimously taken to honour the Kogi paramount ruler, Attah Igala, and other imminent stakeholders, for their intervention.
“NMA has agreed to suspend its strike for two weeks to enable prominent personalities and stakeholders, mediate.
“Since the Attah of Igala, NMA National President and our honourable members of the House of Assembly have requested the association to suspend the action and give them time to intervene, we have no choice than to honour them.
“We will reconvene in a forth night to decide on the way forward if no positive progress is made and our demands are not met”.
The doctors embarked on industrial action despite threat by Kogi Government to terminate the appointment of any of its staff, under its health sector, that participates.
Kehinde Lawal, Acting Head of Service, in a circular warned that the state government will also adopt the policy of ‘no work no pay’ for any doctor on strike.
Lawal had stated that government was doing its best to make sure that all the salary arrears of cleared officers, by the screening committee, would be paid within the shortest time possible.
“It is equally noteworthy for every union to realise that the best way to resolve any issue is through peaceful dialogue and not strike action.
“In view of the foregoing, any staff of Kogi State Government that decides to go on strike is hereby notified that such person will have his/her job at stake.
“The policy of ‘No Work No Pay’ will be adopted for any worker that embarks on strike action,” she said.
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