Lagos Doctors Call Off Sit-at-home Strike

The Lagos state Nigerian Medical Association has called off its sit-at-home directive which it directed doctors in the state to engage in over police harassment.

Odunews.com reports that the NMA  ordered doctors in Lagos state to ‘sit-at-home’ as a result of conflicting directives by the Police restricting the movement of its members which has led to harassment of some by the police.

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, however reiterated President Muhammadu Buhari’s stance in a statement that essential service providers are exempted from the curfew imposed in the state.

Reacting to the Police clarification, the NMA announced that it has called off the sit-at-home order after the Nigerian Police Force and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu resolved the issues and assured the safety of the health workers.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman, Dr. Saliu Oseni, and the Secretary of the association, Dr. Moronkola Ramon on Thursday.

Part of the statement reads:

“The leadership of the Association has followed the turn of events while monitoring the situation. The Nigerian Police Force has reached out to the association to clarify and give assurance of cooperation with all health-workers.

“This, they have also done in the media. The executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was exemplary as his timely intervention from the late hours of May 19th helped prevent worsening of the situation”.

The NMA has assured its members that no one will be harassed in the course of performing their lawful duties.

“The association has further received assurances from Mr. Governor and the top hierarchy of the Police that no health workers will be further harassed in the course of their lawful efforts to sustain services in the middle of the pandemic”.