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NARD Begins Nationwide Strike Over Kidnapped Doctor, Halts Medical Services
On Monday, August 26, 2024, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) initiated a nationwide 7-day warning strike across all its centers. This strike is in response to the ongoing captivity of one of their colleagues, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who has been held by kidnappers for over eight months.
Dr. Dele Abdullahi, the President of NARD, announced this development in a formal statement, explaining that the decision was taken during an urgent virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council, which took place on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
Abdullahi made it clear that the industrial action would be comprehensive, halting all medical services, including emergency care, for the entire duration of the strike.
Dr. Popoola, who works as a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, was abducted along with her husband and nephew nearly eight months ago.
While her husband was released in March, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity, a situation that has deeply concerned both NARD and the wider medical community.
The doctors are demanding her immediate release, alongside improved security measures to protect medical professionals, particularly in high-risk areas.
The strike is intended to draw attention to these issues and pressurize the government to act swiftly. With no medical services being rendered during the strike, including emergency treatments, the situation could have significant implications for patients nationwide.
NARD has emphasized that the strike is a necessary step in the face of increasing insecurity and the government’s perceived lack of urgency in securing the release of Dr. Popoola.
The association further stressed that the safety of health workers must be prioritized to prevent similar incidents in the future.
It was reported that former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has allegedly purchased a presidential candidate form for the 2027 elections.
It can be noted that Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015.
This information was revealed by Sani Useni, a special assistant who made the claim. Many reacted to the news, with some expressing interest in seeing Jonathan return to power after staying relatively quiet politically since his administration ended.
However, Jonathan has not yet addressed the public or officially shared any presidential ambition.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reacted to the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.
It can be recalled that schools were attacked by armed men, with some teachers and students reportedly taken. Some people were also killed during the attack.
CAN cried out on behalf of the public, stating “It is intolerable, disgraceful and utterly unacceptable that Nigerian children can no longer sit safely in classrooms without the fear of being kidnapped by armed gangs.”
The organisation also stated that Nigerians are tired of constantly mourning and questioning when something will finally be done to stop the violence.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that seven teachers were abducted following a recent attack on a school in the state.
It was also shared that the number of students taken is still being investigated.
The governor further revealed that some people were killed during the attack and abduction.
He also added “With the pressure on the terrorists and the bandits in the North-West, they will keep moving southward.”
“When you have pressure in one place, we must be prepared on this side to either repel or neutralise any terrorists fleeing the pressure points.”
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