Nigerian gov flays 7-day warning strike by health workers, exposes union leaders

Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has lashed out at the decision of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) to commence seven-day warning strike in the state.

A statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,  Fred Itua, on Saturday, described the action of the union as unpatriotic and unjustified.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has been drawn to a statement issued by the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Edo State Council, announcing the commencement of a seven-day warning strike across the state beginning Friday, October 17, 2025.

“Governor Okpebholo views this action as ill-timed, unpatriotic, and wholly unjustified, especially coming at a time when meaningful negotiations between the Union and the Government are ongoing.

“It is on record that the leadership of the Union has been in constant engagement with the Government on their demands, with a meeting already scheduled to continue discussions on Monday.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the issues raised by the Union were largely inherited from the past administration of Godwin Obaseki.

“However, Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has shown genuine commitment to addressing these inherited concerns in a phased, transparent, and responsible manner.

“Among the demands of the Union is the renovation of the Doctors’ Quarters, which is already receiving the attention of the State Government, alongside other welfare-related matters.”

The governor expressed disappointment  that the leadership of the union would hastily declare a strike, claiming Government insensitivity, adding that the strike might have been promoted by refusal of the state government to yield to unlawful financial demands by some union leaders.

“This abrupt decision by the Union leadership does not only undermine ongoing dialogue but also exposes a lack of sincerity and respect for the negotiation process.

“The Edo State Government finds no merit in the call for this strike. The action appears driven by ulterior motives and extra financial demands known only to a few individuals in the Union’s leadership, to the detriment of the general membership.

“Failure to yield to these unlawful financial demands from officials of the State Government by a few greedy members of the leadership of the Union, birthed this ill-conceived industrial action.

“By dragging innocent and hardworking health workers into this industrial action, the Union’s leadership is placing the lives of poor and helpless Edo citizens—especially those in need of urgent medical attention—at grave risk.

“Such actions amount to a betrayal of the noble principles and ethics of the medical profession, particularly the Hippocratic Oath, which places the preservation of human life above all else. No responsible government can fold its arms while a few individuals hold the lives of its citizens hostage for personal gratification.

“The Edo State Government remains committed to dialogue and partnership with all stakeholders in the health sector to ensure industrial harmony and better service delivery to the people. However, it will not condone any act that jeopardizes the health and wellbeing of its citizens under any guise.

“The Government therefore urges all responsible and patriotic health workers in the State to disregard this strike directive and continue rendering essential services to the people.

“The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains open to constructive engagement and is resolute in its determination to build a fair, functional, and people-oriented health system for all Edo citizens,” the statement added.