We Are Livid At Such An Inhuman Decision – FCT Doctors Embark On Warning Strike, Gives Wike Ultimatum

The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has declared the beginning of a three-day warning strike on Tuesday, May 6.
The doctors made the decision following their emergency congress meeting on Monday at Asokoro District Hospital in Abuja.
Following the meeting, Dr. George Ebong, president of FCT ARD, stated that the strike was required as a result of the FCT Civil Service Commission’s arbitrary dismissal of 127 health workers last Friday.

He described the dismissal as harsh and illegal, requesting their immediate reinstatement and restoration of their April earnings.

He also demanded that Emeka Ezeh, the chairman of the FCT-CSC, step down immediately.

Ebong claimed that if their demands were not granted by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the FCT Administration within three days, they will go on indefinite strike and close the nation’s capital hospitals.

“We are going on a three-day warning strike since the majority of our members were removed from duty on Friday without due process. They were branded as ghost workers, ex-employees, and absconders, despite the fact that these colleagues are still working in the system today.

“We are furious that the FCTA service commission will make such an inhumane judgment without consulting the health management board, permanent secretary of health, association of resident doctors, or Medical & Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria, MDCAN. Nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists are also affected, in addition to doctors.

“The hospitals’ managing directors are unaware. In reality, three MDs are impacted.

“127 health personnel are impacted. If these are ghost workers, how do these hospitals run? The hospitals would have crumbled. What is the staffing capacity of FCT hospitals?

“The impacted health workers’ salaries were terminated without prior notice. The last month’s salary. This is a clear case of insensitivity and injustice to healthcare personnel.

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“We want prompt salary payments for all affected health professionals.

“A letter of apology to the affected health-care personnel.

“Mr. Emeka Ezeh, chairman of the service commission, resigns immediately.

“It is a three-day warning starting from tomorrow, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 8 am, and if within the space of three days (which is Friday, May 9, 2025), our demands are not met, we will go on an indefinite strike after an appraisal,” said the worker.