Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has appealed to the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) not to embark of its planned strike.
Hr pleaded for time to allow for intervention of the House for an amicable resolution of the issues involved.
Dropping the appeal during a meeting of the association with the leadership of the House Monday, the speaker said, “We urge you to appeal to your members to be patient while we find an amicable resolution. Given your faith in us, I would urge you to suspend the impending industrial action while we intervene.
“We equally seek your understanding of the fact that a new administration just came on board and still in the process of settling down as ministers are yet to assume office.”
He also urged the NARD delegation, to approach the entire matter with open mind.
“We feel particularly honoured for accepting to meet with the House even in the face of a looming strike action which notice has been issued according to information available to us.
“Your decision to meet with the House is an affirmation of your faith and confidence in our capacity to intervene and resolve the lingering issues in dispute. This is most reassuring owing to the fact that the 9th assembly had previously intervened in this matter. We hope to even go beyond the steps and actions taken by the previous House to ensure that we find a lasting resolution to the ever lingering crisis.
“We are not unmindful of the many sacrifices resident doctors have continued to make in the health sector in spite of the many challenges you face and the poor conditions within which you work. While many of your colleagues have left the shores of our country in pursuit of better working conditions, you have chosen to remain behind in service to the fatherland.
“We commend you for this and assure you that we would deploy every legislative instrument available to us to ensure that you are fully compensated and rewarded for this act of patriotism,” he said.
