Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf appealed to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to suspend its ongoing strike, cautioning that the walkout could jeopardize the health and lives of over 20 million Kano residents reliant on medical services.
The governor acknowledged the NMA’s concerns surrounding the alleged assault of a female doctor by the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, and he assured that an investigative panel’s report on the matter is on his desk awaiting immediate review.
The NMA had previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the commissioner’s dismissal, with the warning that failure to act would lead to strike action. Addressing the issue in a joint live broadcast with local radio journalists, Yusuf voiced disappointment over the strike, characterizing the incident as a “dispute between two adults” and urging the association to allow due process to unfold.
“I am aware of many instances where planned industrial actions by the NMA were shelved due to the mutual respect and good relationship between the doctors and the Kano State government. The NMA knows that this government values the welfare of doctors,” Yusuf stated, emphasizing the long-standing cooperation between the association and his administration.
Yusuf added that he responded swiftly to the incident by setting up a committee to investigate, with a mandate to deliver a report within 48 hours. “As I speak, the report is already on my table, and I will act on it immediately,” he said.
The governor urged the NMA to reconsider its position for the sake of Kano residents, particularly vulnerable patients and pregnant women, stressing the serious impact of the strike on public health. “If they now feel no one can talk to them, and their only next action is a strike, they should consider the lives of 20 million residents who could be put at risk over a disagreement between two individuals,” he cautioned.
Governor Yusuf concluded with an apology on behalf of the government and assured that any official found responsible would face appropriate consequences, underscoring his administration’s commitment to accountability.
