By SUNNY OKIM

Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel has vowed to sack health workers in the state who go on strike.

This comes on the heels of a strike action planned by the health workers under the auspices of Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU), Akwa Ibom State branch.

The health workers are demanding 50 per cent of their basic salaries as compensation for their "highly risky inputs in the ongoing fight against coronavirus".

But in his reaction to the demand, the governor through his commissioner for information, Charles Udoh, says any health worker in the state who proceeds on strike action will be replaced instantly.

In a statement issued earlier today with a copy made available to News Express, the state government wonders why the health workers should come up with such an obnoxious demand "in spite of concerted efforts by government to provide the best of working conditions for health workers in the state, including up to date payment of all due salaries and allowances, which makes our state one of the best paying states in the health sector".

The full statement reads:

GOVERNMENT OF AKWA IBOM STATE

PRESS RELEASE

STRIKING JOHESU WORKERS WILL BE REPLACED IF…

The attention of Akwa Ibom State Government has been drawn to an ill conceived industrial action embarked upon by the Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU) over an unreasonable demand for payment of 50% of basic salaries as hazard allowance in this harsh economic climate.

This is in spite of concerted efforts by government to provide the best of working conditions for health workers in the state, including up to date payment of all due salaries and allowances, which makes our state one of the best paying states in the health sector.

The efforts of the state government in this regard has continued to receive widespread commendations from various healthcare stakeholders in the country.

Against this backdrop, government is constrained to state that it is unreasonable and also unlawful for healthcare professionals to embark on any form of strike action during period of Coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, a full compliment of related healthcare professionals are expected at their duty posts unfailingly, as required by the terms and conditions of their employment. Any staff not found on duty will be considered to be no longer interested in the job and will be relieved of such duty with immediate effect. The relevant health authorities have been mandated to conduct head count.

The state government has made adequate arrangements to ensure that those who are interested in performing their lawful duties are allowed to do so without disruption or molestation of any sort. Anyone found obstructing or disrupting healthcare operations anywhere in the state, under the pretext of an industrial action, will be apprehended and prosecuted. It is criminal for anyone to obstruct health care workers from performing their legitimate duties in this period of emergency

Government is aware that the ill conceived industrial action and blatant act of sabotage by JOHESU is sponsored by political detractors with an underlying intent to vandalize healthcare facilities in the state. Security agencies in the state have been fully briefed to ensure the continued protection of lives and property, using all legal means.

Citizens and residents are enjoined to continue to cooperate with government in the fight to curtail the surge of the COVID19 Pandemic in our state.

Stay safe; Be safe.

Abide by all COVID-19 preventive guidelines.

Signed

Charles Udoh KSJI

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Akwa Ibom State.

Update news