Kano Governor Urges NMA to Suspend Strike Amid Ongoing Investigation

Written by Jerry Alomatu on November 7, 2024

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Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has urged the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to suspend its strike action, warning that it could jeopardize the health of over 20 million residents who rely on medical services in the state.

The governor addressed the issue during a joint broadcast with radio journalists, expressing disappointment over the NMA’s decision to strike over an alleged assault incident involving the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital. Yusuf assured the NMA that the report from the investigative panel on the matter is on his desk, awaiting immediate action.

The NMA had given the state government a 48-hour ultimatum to dismiss the commissioner or face a strike. Governor Yusuf urged the association to allow due process to unfold and emphasized that this was a dispute between two adults, not a reason for such drastic measures.

He highlighted that in the past, the NMA had postponed strikes due to the good relationship between the doctors and the Kano State government. He reiterated the state’s commitment to the welfare of doctors and assured that any official found guilty would face appropriate consequences.

In his appeal to the doctors, Yusuf stressed the potential risks to vulnerable patients, including pregnant women, and asked them to consider the impact on public health before proceeding with the strike.