The Benue State Government has clarified that Governor Hyacinth Alia was not officially informed about the ongoing strike by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, even though the industrial action has lasted for more than seven weeks.
This clarification came when the state executive of NANNM, led by its Chairman, Kershio Tahav, alongside the State Secretary, Amanyi Margaret, and a former union chairman, Grace Iorhe, visited the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Moses Atagher, at the Government House, Makurdi.
Speaking during the meeting, Atagher explained that the governor was only briefed about the strike embarked upon by the Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, and had not received any formal report regarding the nurses’ action.
He noted that inquiries made to the Office of the Head of Service and other relevant government departments revealed that officials legally charged with handling labour-related matters were also not aware that nurses were on strike.
The Chief of Staff also debunked claims that the industrial action was influenced or hijacked by opposition politicians, describing such reports as false and deceptive.
According to him, it would have been impossible for the governor to accuse the nurses of political motives, given that he had not been briefed about the strike at all.
Atagher further stressed that negotiations with labour unions fall within the responsibility of the Office of the Head of Service.
He added that the Head of Service, working with the Special Adviser on Labour Matters and other key stakeholders, would soon convene talks to resolve the issues raised by the nurses. He appealed to the union members to remain cohesive and patient as they await formal engagement.
However, the leadership of NANNM insisted that the strike would not be suspended until concrete discussions begin.
“Aluta continua,” the union declared.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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