The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, says contrary to media reports, it has not issued any strike notice, as it is still investigating the circumstances which led to the freezing of one of its bank accounts.
Federal High Court Abuja had on Tuesday, March 26 ordered the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, to freeze the union’s account in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State
over an alleged N47 million debt owed Access Bank.
The order was delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo based on an ex-parte motion filed by the AMCON against the Health Workers’ union.
In a swift reaction on Monday, April 1, 2024, MHWUN National President, Ado Kabiru Minjibir insists that the action by AMCON to have requested for the freezing of one of its branches account is not acceptable.
Minjibir said an injury to one is an injury to all, and to outrightly freeze the operational account of a peaceful workers union under whatever guise is an invitation for disharmony in a relatively peaceful health sector, which is characterized by poor welfare and dehumanising conditions of service.
Minjibir said MHWUN headquarters has gone ahead to set up a committee headed by the National Vice President North West, Hussaini Hamisu, to further investigate the circumstances which led to the freezing of the local branch’s account.
However, AIT.live investigation reveals that the issue arose from a loan to workers in 2010 by the local branch leadership, which is yet to be settled with accumulated interest rate.
The last time health workers in Nigeria went on strike was in 2021, when they were demanding for increase of hazard allowance and payment of Consolidated Health Salary Structure.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
