Gilbert Ekugbe The Nigerian Medical Association, Anambra chapter, has called off its indefinite strike following the release of one of its members, Dr. Stephen Ezeh from his abductors. The association embarked on a strike on Thursday to protest the kidnap of Ezeh, an Ihiala based private practitioner.
In a statement signed by Dr. Princeston Okam and Dr. Ifeanyi Obiaeli, the Chairman and Secretary of the association, respectively, on Sunday, the association announced that the decision followed the release of Ezeh.
Punch Online had reported that Ezeh was kidnapped in Ihiala on August 15, forcing the NMA to direct its members to down tools on August 22, after issuing a 48-hour ultimatum. The NMA has now instructed its members to return to work. “The total and indefinite strike action called by the NMA Anambra Branch to protest the kidnapping of our member, Dr.
Stephen Ezeh, is hereby called off following his release. “We appreciate the good people of Anambra for bearing with us through these trying times, and we earnestly pray that such tribulation will not arise again. “We also appreciate our colleagues for their solidarity and resilience in the face of the challenges facing the sector, particularly insecurity, and urge them to remain resolute and committed to delivering healthcare to the people of Anambra,” the statement read.
The NMA urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to declare a state of emergency on security in the state, highlighting that the growing insecurity and ki.