Ikpeazu owing Abia doctors 25 month salary arrears, NARD cries out

The Federal Government, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the nation are being urged by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to take action about the Abia State Government’s inability to pay doctors in 25 months.

This is stated in a statement made following the conclusion of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which lasted five days and ended on Saturday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

“The NEC calls on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Governors’ forum, the PDP Governors’ forum, the G-5 group of PDP Governors, and all well-meaning Nigerians to help point the Governor of Abia State, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu (PhD) to the plight of our members and indeed all healthcare workers in Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) who have been owed salary arrears to the tune of 25 months and are still blackmailed by the state Government to continue to work,” NARD said.

In addition, the union noted that doctors in state tertiary health institutions were owed salaries and allowances by the governments of Ekiti (three months), Imo (10 months) and Ondo (five months).

The Federal Government, NGF, stakeholders, and well-meaning Nigerians were urged to pressure governors of those states to settle the arrears immediately because the situation had become humiliating.

The committee also demanded that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) conduct a swift investigation, apprehend those responsible for the unlawful gunfire that injured one of its members in Delta State, and see to it that they are duly punished.

NARD said, “We demand that the affected doctor be adequately compensated for the trauma and the damaged vehicle replaced.

“The NEC gives the IGP two (2) weeks to get this done as we would review the situation at the expiration of the two weeks and a stand would be taken thereafter if the response is not satisfactory.”