Ekiti NMA suspends strike

The Ekiti State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) yesterday called off the strike embarked upon to protest the abduction of its members and health workers.

The body, however, demanded for the arrest of the kidnappers that were said to have escaped when the local hunters and security agents invaded their den at Esure-Ekiti where 11 victims were released last weekend.

The association had a couple of days ago declared a state-wide industrial action to press home for immediate and unconditional release of some of their members, who were abducted at various locations within the State by unknown gunmen.

The gunmen had abducted the former Chief Medical Director of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado Ekiti, Dr Patrick Adegun, his wife, Kikelomo , a nurse working with the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, Mrs Margaret Aladenika and two other  nurses, whose identities were not disclosed.

A letter dated 25th May, 2015 , signed by NMA Chairman in Ekiti, Dr John Akinbote and addressed to Governor Ayodele Fayose, a copy of which was made available to newsmen on Monday, said the suspension is with immediate effect.

“Sequel to the resolutions of emergency general meeting of our noble association held today, 25th May, 2015, we hereby notify you and your good office of our decision to suspend the ongoing no-work protest ,
which started based on serial kidnappings and security situation in the State.

“We are using this avenue to request for improvement and sustenance of security measures in place in the State”, the statement  said.

The medical body called on the State government to ensure that the
necessary legal frameworks are put in place to curtail such incident from rearing its ugly head in the State.

NMA also appealed to the government to put necessary machinery in place , for expeditious arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the nefarious act.