Ayodeji Ake
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to embark on nationwide industrial action if the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration fails to withdraw queries issued to members of the Executive Council of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), FCT chapter.
NARD, in a statement signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, accused the FCT authorities of victimising the affected doctors for communicating the position of the national body on its planned industrial action.
The statement followed the issuance of queries to members of the ARD FCT Executive Council after the association notified the authorities of its planned nationwide industrial action scheduled to commence on August 10.
NARD described the queries as “unwarranted and unacceptable victimisation,” insisting that the affected doctors were only carrying out their responsibilities as elected representatives of their colleagues.
The association called on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to urgently intervene and direct the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, to withdraw the queries.
NARD also urged the minister to reprimand officials of the FCT Hospitals Management Board whom it accused of involvement in the issuance of the queries.
According to the doctors’ body, the affected resident doctors should not be subjected to intimidation, harassment or punitive administrative measures for communicating decisions of their national union through appropriate channels.
“NARD considers the issuance of queries to union representatives over the communication of a planned national action deeply troubling and capable of unnecessarily escalating tension and undermining industrial harmony within the FCT health sector,” the association said.
The association warned that it would not fold its arms while its members or elected representatives were allegedly victimised over legitimate union activities.
It said any action against members of the ARD FCT Executive Council in the course of discharging their responsibilities would be regarded as an issue concerning the entire NARD family.
NARD therefore demanded the immediate withdrawal of the queries, warning that failure to do so would lead to further lawful collective action.
It said the first step would be a national protest in Abuja, with resident doctors mobilised to publicly express their opposition to what it described as the victimisation of their representatives.
“Should the queries remain in force thereafter, a national industrial action will immediately follow,” NARD warned.
The association stressed that its position was not intended as a threat but as a declaration of its resolve to protect the rights, dignity and legitimate interests of its members through lawful and constitutionally recognised means.
NARD maintained that it remained committed to constructive engagement, meaningful dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes with government at all levels.
It, however, argued that meaningful dialogue would not thrive in an atmosphere where duly elected union representatives were subjected to victimisation or intimidation for carrying out legitimate responsibilities.
The association expressed optimism that an intervention by the FCT Minister would help prevent unnecessary escalation, preserve industrial harmony and demonstrate the administration’s commitment to a fair and respectful relationship with healthcare professionals.
NARD reiterated its demand for the immediate withdrawal of the queries and an end to any further victimisation arising from the matter.
The association also reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and peaceful engagement, but warned that it would not compromise the dignity, welfare and legitimate rights of resident doctors.