Federal Medical Centre calls off 12-week strike

After a 12-week strike, workers at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri have finally suspended their strike.

The suspension announcement was made by the leader of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Obinna Ogbonna, who said the FMC Medical Director, Dr Angela Uwakwem, has proceeded on annual leave to enable the Federal Government panel investigate all the allegations against her.

He added that the suspension followed an agreement between the health workers of various unions and the Federal Government.

Ogbonna said they were satisfied with the adherence to their demand that she proceeds on annual leave until investigations are concluded on her alleged financial malfeasance, insensitivity and unauthorised spending.

He further said that an official would work on acting capacity during the period and urged the workers to support the yet-to-be-announced official.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the Imo gtate governor, Rochas Okorocha, threatened to sack all civil servants in the state if they fail to call off their ongoing 5-day warning strike.

Okorocha, while addressing pro-government youth group, Imo Youth Council, who staged a solidarity protest at the Government House on Wednesday, accused the workers of breaching their agreement with government on June 6 and threatened to sack them and employ the youths if they ignore the directive.

He further accused the workers of being politically motivated and urged the youths to give the striking workers one more week in which time, they would be employed if the strike is not called off.

The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Augusta Ogini, however dismissed the threat, saying it has not reached the unions officially.

The workers are demanding their salary arrears ranging from 2 to over 7 months, and pensions ranging from 7 to 18 months.