Nigerian Health Workers Seek Resolution Of Union’s Internal Dispute

The Medical Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Branch, has called for an amicable resolution of their Union’s internal dispute.

Secretary, MHWUN Kaduna Unit of NAFDAC Branch, Mr Jerry Chagga, made the call while speaking at the sideline of the year’s Workers Day celebration at the famous Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

He expressed disappointment at the stands of some of their colleagues in the Lagos Branch of the union while lamenting the issues bedevilling the MHWUN NAFDAC branch.

Chagga explained that the minister of health had intervened in the problems bedevilling the union, adding that he had done a lot to solve the problems.

He, however, said in that light, their colleagues in Lagos Branch, amidst the minister’s resolve of the union’s crisis, conducted elections which were purportedly held on April 27.

“When the Federal Ministry of Labour heard about it, they wrote to the National, suspending the elections until all internal disputes in MHWUN NAFDAC are resolved.

“To our disappointment, our colleagues in Lagos went ahead to conduct the election, with the supervision of even some of the officials of the national branch of MHWUN,” he alleged.

Chagga further expressed displeasure, describing the scenario as disappointing and contemptuous to the Minister of Labour and Employment, who according to him, was doing his best to ensure peace, tranquillity and understanding in the NAFDAC branch.

The Secretary called on their colleagues to desist from parading themselves as the branch executives of the NAFDAC branch of MHWUN.

He noted that there was a caretaker committee that was duely formed, having its Secretariat in Abuja, adding that it was what their constitution stipulated.

He assured that the committee was working tirelessly to ensure that all issues that put them apart were reconciled.

Earlier, Mr Ahmed Sulieman, the Chairman of MHWUN Kaduna Unit of NAFDAC Branch, noted that the Workers Day celebration was to commemorate the struggle for workers welfare.

He also noted that welfare was sacrosanct to all NAFDAC staff, while calling on their members all across to respect the decision of the caretaker committee formed to reconcile problems within the union.

Earlier, the Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Kaduna State Council, Mr Ayuba Sulaiman, said the day was set aside to celebrate workers achievements, struggles, and even challenges.

Sulaiman, who doubled as the Chairman of MHWUN, Kaduna State Council, advocated for workers rights in the state, adding that it would ensure socio-economic justice which tallied with the theme of the year’s celebration.

He urged workers to be diligent, dedicated and responsible by keeping to time of work and not closing before time.

He expressed optimism about the incoming Government of Kaduna State, while assuring workers of conducive and favourable working condition in the state.

The MHWUN received an award for the most neatly dressed and populated members of labour at the colourful event.

It featured a match past, among other displays, by various labour and trade union groups.

NAN/Oyenike Oyeniyi