Today, which marks the 45th day of the ongoing Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) strike was also the second sitting of the Nigerian Industrial Court on the case between the NARD and FGN. The NARD had an able legal representation led by Femi Falana (SAN), Femi Aborishade (SAN) and Chief Robinson Ariyo Esq with the NARD President, NARD National Official Council (NOC) and other Resident Doctors present. While the federal government (FG) – who sued the defendant to court and issued a committal order, only had their legal counsel representing them at the proceeding without the ministers (of health and labour) or any member of the cabinet on site.
At the beginning of the court proceeding, the defendant counsel challenged the jurisdiction of the Court to hear the case but the counsel to the FG highlighted that they served the Court yesterday – the 14th of September, 2021 – a notice of committal proceedings, to commit the NARD President and other doctors to prison for violating a court order to return to work. This led to an argument of which of the suits to hear first with the FG Counsel insisting that NARD go back to work, bringing into perspective the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic but the defendant counsel countered this by hammering on the fact that Hazard allowance is still 5,000 naira, despite having up to 20 Doctors die during the same COVID-19 pandemic.
The Court had a recess for judgment, but returned with the ruling adjourned to Friday, giving both parties 48hours to negotiate and shift grounds on agreeable terms. The judge also pleaded that every form of hostilities from both parties towards each other- especially the media war – be halted, pending the judgment on Friday for peace and progress sake.
In one of his many comments, the NARD President – Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi – commended the consistent show of bravery and oneness of the NARDites, which has strengthened the union and given him the courage to continue pushing for victory whatever the outcome. He also applauded the legal representation of the association for their show of solidarity and impeccable professionalism towards a good cause. As it stands, the resident doctors are hopeful for the best most favourable results from this struggle on Friday with no foul play involved.
Aluta continua! Victoria Ascerta…
Contributors: Dr. Adewale Premiere, Dr. Wahab R. O.
