Health workers in Edo State have vowed to continue their warning strike, despite the state government describing it as unjustified and selfish.
The industrial action, which began at midnight on Friday, was declared by the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum to the government.
In a message to members on Sunday, the union’s Public Relations Officer, Iduwe Endurance, urged total compliance with the strike directive.
He said, “Total compliance is required, and anything short of that will not be tolerated.”
The union, led by State Chairman Osagie Ogbeide and Secretary Barivure Kpakol, had directed members to withdraw their services from all state and local government health facilities, accusing the government of failing to meet their demands.
However, Governor Monday Okpebholo faulted the strike, describing it as “ill-timed, unpatriotic, and unjustified.”
A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said the government had been in active negotiations with the union and had scheduled another meeting for Monday.
The statement read, “Among the demands of the union is the renovation of doctors’ quarters, which is already receiving the attention of the state government, alongside other welfare-related matters.
“It is therefore shocking and disappointing that the union leadership would hastily declare a strike when the government has shown good faith and a clear commitment to improving the health sector.”
The government also alleged that the strike was influenced by “ulterior motives and financial interests” of a few union leaders.
Okpebholo warned that the action had put the lives of poor and vulnerable citizens at risk, describing it as a betrayal of the health workers’ oath to protect life.
Some union members, however, told PUNCH that they would only call off the strike if directed by their leadership.
One member said, “We are with our leaders in this, and we can only hope that negotiations will be concluded before the end of the warning strike.”
