JOHESU ignores court order, continues strike

Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has resolved that it will continue the nationwide strike, in spite of a subsisting court judgement that ordered its suspension.

The decision of JOHESU’s NEC received massive support from the states and zonal leaders, who gathered in Abuja, yesterday, for an emergency meeting.

JOHESU President, Comrade Biobebelemoye Josiah, at the meeting, briefed members on the success made, thus far, in their discussion with the Federal Government, particularly at the recent meeting, where the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, threatened to proscribe JOHESU if it failed to comply with the National Industrial Court judgement that ordered them to resume duties immediately.

He said union members have agreed that its legal team approach the Court of Appeal on the matter.
Josiah insisted that members have vowed not to succumb to the blackmail or intimidation by either the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) or the federal government, including the threat of proscription.

“Our request is a genuine one and government is aware of it.

“But, perhaps, they have deliberately disregarded it. However, we will continue to press until our demands are met,” he said.

Josiah encouraged the members to endure the discomfort and persevere “until success is achieved.”