Ogun NMA hits Abiodun, says attack on doctors disappointing

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) yesterday described Governor Dapo Abiodun's attack on striking residents doctors as "unbecoming and disappointing."

The body also said the 300 percent increase for medical workers' hazard allowance as announced by the governor was mere "blackmail and tricky."

Daily Trust recalls that Abiodun had tongue-lashed striking resident doctors at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, whose action he labeled "irresponsible and politically motivated."

The ARD OOUTH had penultimate Friday, announced the commencement of industrial action, following the state government's refusal to yield to agitations for improved welfare package.

Prior to this, the association had embarked on a three-day warning strike, a development which forced the government into a negotiation with the aggrieved doctors.

But the governor while addressing newsmen in Abeokuta, expressed worry that medical doctors are demanding pay hike despite the effect of COVID-19 on the economy.

Miffed by the governor's comments, the State Chairman of NMA, Dr. Ismail Lawal told newsmen yesterday in Abeokuta that the governor's attack on the striking doctors was condemnable.

Lawal said the governor should address the aggrieved doctors' agitation rather than resort to name-calling.

"In fact, as a citizen of Ogun State, I am ashamed of myself and disappointed. That implies we are already grooming another constituted authority in the state. If you remember very well, we had a governor like that in Oyo State and at the end of the day, history is there to tell us what came after the issue," the NMA Chairman said.