By Jonathan Ugbal
Nurses in Cross River State have called off their 6 weeks old strike following a meeting with the state government.
The suspension of the industrial action was contained in a circular dated March 8, 2017, signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) Cross River State council, David Ezugwu and Ojong Ogar respectively which directed its members to resume work today(Thursday).
“Sequel to the decision of the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held on 8th March, 2017. We have the directives to inform you that the ongoing industrial actions by our members have been suspended. You are therefore directed to resume normal duties from 9th March,2017 (Thursday)” the circular read.
Meanwhile, a memorandum of understanding between the NANNM and the Cross River State Local Government Service Commission signed in the presence of the labour and trade union representatives at the commissions office in Calabar, adopted the directives of Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade who had intervened in the strike.
They are as follows;
1. That the Local Government Service COmmission should revert to status quo ante.
2. That the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) should suspend the on going strike.
3. That no member of the Association who participated in the industrial action shall be victimized.
The Nurses and Midwives had embarked on an indefinite strike starting January 23, 2017 following the state’s refusal to reverse the promotion of a junior nurse to superintend over her seniors in Obudu local government area of the state.
NANNM said one Christiana Akeke said to be a relative of Governor Ben Ayade was made the Primary Health Care Coordinator in Obudu, the Governor’s hometown by the chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Dr. Peter Adigeb following her appointment into the Board of the state Primary Health Care Development Agency.
The industrial action, grinded to a halt, some activities in health facilities across the state.
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