The Take It Back Movement (TIB) has declared its support for the ongoing indefinite strike launched by nurses employed by the Ondo State Government.
The strike was initiated in response to the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s failure to address the nurses’ grievances, particularly regarding poor working conditions and the non-implementation of agreed-upon salary adjustments.
The TIB made its stance known on Friday in a statement issued by its Ondo State Coordinator, Patrick Owolabi, while reacting to news of the industrial action by the health workers which commenced at midnight.
The TIB’s state coordinator, Owolabi, said the strike action by the nurses in general and specialist hospitals across the state is a clear indication of the state government’s failure to address the welfare and working conditions of these essential workers.
He said, “It’s appalling and disturbing that while health workers are struggling to make ends meet, the State Assembly that is supposed to serve as watchdog to the shenanigans of the state governor is lavishing N462 million on car maintenance and N200 million on phone conversations.
“This reckless spending is a slap in the face of the hardworking nurses and health workers who are the backbone of our healthcare system.
“We demand that the governor and the state assembly take immediate action to address the grievances of the nurses and health workers.
“This includes providing decent wages, improving working conditions, and prioritizing their welfare above frivolous expenditures.
“The Take It Back Movement stands in solidarity with the nurses and health workers of Ondo State.
“We will continue to advocate for their rights and welfare. We believe that health workers are one of the most important workforces globally.
“With the bad healthcare system in Ondo State generally, it would be an insult upon injury to owe nurses and other health workers.
“We therefore support the total strike by the health workers and call on the Ondo State government to immediately pay all the workers; and allocate at least 20% of the state budget to healthcare.”
The nurses, under the aegis of National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), had announced the decision to go on strike at a press briefing on Thursday in Akure, the state capital.
Felix Orobode, Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), spoke out against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration for neglecting the welfare of nurses in the state.
Despite their crucial role in the healthcare sector, nurses have been facing numerous challenges, particularly regarding their welfare.
Orobode emphasised the need to raise public awareness about these issues, citing the government’s failure to honor agreements reached in previous negotiations.
Specifically, he mentioned that the government had approved a minimum wage of N73,000, but irregularities in the salary adjustment under the CONHESS structure led to the association rejecting its implementation.
The NANNM has been seeking improvements in several areas, including payment of salary arrears, promotion and hazard allowances, and uniform allowances.
However, the government’s failure to address these concerns led the association to direct its members to withdraw their services indefinitely, starting from January 31, 2025.
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