Lagos NMA Asks Members To Resume After Apology From Police, Governor Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA has reversed the indefinite sit-at-home directive to its members and directed its members to resume duty from 6 pm today, Thursday.

Meridian Spy reported yesterday Wednesday, the NMA Lagos Chapter directed its members to proceed on an indefinite sit-at-home strike over incessant harassment of healthcare workers in Lagos by the security agents.

The medical association had, in the letter jointly signed by the State Chairman of the NMA, Dr Saliu Oseni and the Secretary, Dr Ramon Moronkola, requested for an apology and a written statement signed by the state government and appropriate police authorities with clear terms on the status of essential services including healthcare services and its providers.

Following the above, the NMA leaders, on Thursday, announced that the directive have now been complied with, as both the Nigerian Police Force and the government had reached out to the association to clarify and give assurance of their cooperation with all health workers.

“The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was exemplary as his timely intervention from the late hours of May 19, helped prevent the worsening of the situation,” the NMA leaders said in a statement.

“The association has further received assurances from the 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.

“Above all, the passionate appeal from the good people of Lagos state is difficult to resist, considering the fact that they will be most hit by the situation.”

The leaders further expressed gratitude to the governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, as well as Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, for their timely intervention and reassured the citizens of their commitment to continue to partake actively in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic and the delivery of quality healthcare during the ongoing phased easing of restriction of movement and beyond.