NARD Seeks Intervention Over Abia’s Failure To Pay Doctors’ 25-month Salaries

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) is calling on the Federal Government, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors across the country to intervene in the failure of the Abia State Government to pay doctors in 25 months.

This is according to a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s five-day National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Saturday.

“The NEC calls on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Governors’ forum, the PDP Governors’ forum, the G-5 group of PDP Governors, and all well-meaning Nigerians to help point the Governor of Abia State, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu (Ph.D.) to the plight of our members and indeed all healthcare workers in Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) who have been owed salary arrears to the tune of 25 months and are still blackmailed by the State Government to continue to work,” the document stated.

The association also pointed out that doctors in state tertiary health institutions were owed salaries and allowances by the governments of Ekiti (three months), Imo (10 months), and Ondo (five months).

It called on the Federal Government, NGF, stakeholders, and well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on their governors to urgently pay the arrears, saying the situation had become embarrassing.

The committee also called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali to immediately investigate and arrest the perpetrators of the illegal shooting at one of its members in Delta State and to ensure they are adequately punished.

“We demand that the affected doctor be adequately compensated for the trauma and the damaged vehicle replaced.

“The NEC gives the IGP two (2) weeks to get this done as we would review the situation at the expiration of the two weeks and a stand would be taken thereafter if the response is not satisfactory,” NARD said. -Channels