CNPP Calls on Jonathan to Wade into Doctors’ Strike

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, National News, News Monday, July 21st, 2014

Ignatius Okpara, Enugu

As scores of Nigerians suffer from different ailments due to the ongoing industrial action by members of the Nigeria Medical Association, (NMA), the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has called on President Goodluck Jonathan, to wade into the matter.

CNPP criticized Federal government for allegedly reneging on its agreement with the striking doctors, describing the situation “as a notorious act.

The organization in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osita Okechukwu and made available to African Examiner on Sunday in Enugu demanded “the President should use his good offices to stop the ongoing Medical Doctors Strike” which started on July 1, this year.

“We are making this call in the collective interest of majority of Nigerians who cannot afford to seek medical attention either in private hospitals or abroad and therefore, depend entirely on the medical services provided by these doctors.

“CNPP has carefully perused the 2009 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the government and the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).

“We are at a loss why President Jonathan’s administration has formed the notorious habit of reneging on agreements reached”, the statement complained.

“Do we need to remind Mr. President that the Doctor’s Strike more than any other factor leads to mass exodus of Nigerian doctors to all the nooks and crannies of the world” queried the press statement.

The organization, noted that the consequence of mass exodus of doctors on the health challenge in Nigeria was unimaginable

CNPP which declared that there was no need to hold national conference to address the doctors’ demands, called on Mr. President to quickly intervene in the ensuing industrial action so as to save the lives of many helpless Nigerians.