From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Doctors under the aegis of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) have suspended their 7-day warning strike.
The National Executive Council (NEC) said the decision to suspend the strike followed the federal government’s consideration of their demands.
The doctors had resolved to embark on the strike if the appointment of a new Vice chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, was not reversed. The also demanded the dissolution of the Greg Mbadiwe- led governing council of the university.
However, the federal government, as a mark of good will and having considered the merits of their demand, announced the removal of the new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Odoh, as well as the Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The announcement of the suspension was contained in a communiqué issued to newsmen in Jos at the end of the extraordinary virtual National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to review the 7-day warning strike and other pending issues with the Federal Government and the progress made so far in resolving them.
They also commended the federal government for acceding to their demands.
MDCAN further said it has observed the efforts of the Ministries of Health, Social Welfare, Education, Labour Employment, and Productivity and appeals by the leadership of the National Assembly and other stakeholders in the ongoing reconciliation on the welfare of their members and all the resolutions reached with definite timelines.
The communiqué jointly signed by the MDCAN President, Prof. Aminu Mohammed, and Secretary, Prof. Daiyabu Ibrahim, said NEC also resolved to suspend the 7-day warning strike with immediate effect, stressing that they will continue to honour the document signed at the reconciliation meeting with the Federal Government under the leadership of the Minister of Labour and Employment.
They further lauded President Bola Tinubu for his timely intervention and commitment in resolving some of the contending issues while reiterating their resolved to partner with the Federal Government, especially in the Renewed Hope Health and Education Agenda of the current administration.
According to the communiqué, MDCAN also remained resolute and committed to continued service to their fatherland while appreciating all well-meaning Nigerians who have in one way or the other contributed to the peaceful resolution of some of the issues, particularly the media, for their professionalism and dedication to promoting a better society through objective reporting of issues of public importance.
They also commended President Bola Tinubu for his prompt intervention in the crisis at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka Anambra State by dissolving the Governing Council and all other measures necessary to restore respect for the rule of law, due process, and orderliness.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice chancellor without following due process.
The government had expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process of principal officers.