Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has directed its members to proceed on indefinite strike over the death of a medical doctor in Lagos,Dr.Vwaere Diaso.

Vwaere Diaso, died at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, when the elevator she used crashed from the 10th floor to the ground floor.

The late doctor was immediately rushed to the emergency ward of the hospital where she eventually died.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Lagos has expressed deep mourning over the death of one its members while demanding an enquiry into the death.

It also declared a five-day mourning period while demanding for “an immediate, unbiased investigation into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident.”

The NMA in a statement by its Chairman, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu and Secretary, Dr. Ismail Ajibowo, said all those found culpable must be brought to justice.

It further directed on its doctors in the three government hospitals on the Island to commence indefinite strike action until the investigations are completed and justice served.

“We immediately direct our doctors in all other government hospitals to scale down activities as a mark of respect for our dead colleague. Only emergency services should be rendered for the next five days.That the government should as a matter of urgency commence the complete overhaul of the house officers’ quarters on the island.

“That all other infrastructures in all our government hospitals that need repairs should be urgently attended to.That the blood transfusion system in Lagos state needs immediate revamping for improved services.”

The group also stated that due to the incident the state officers committee of the association decided that the upcoming Annual General Meeting would be a low-keyed event.

It implored the members to remain calm, saying the leadership of the NMA is on top of the situation and “will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is not just served but seen to have been served.”

Meanwhile,Lagos state governor,Babajide Sanwo-Olu,has has taken immediate action to initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of the ugly incident.

He mourned the passing of a medical doctor, Vwaere Diaso,describing her death as shocking and a colossal loss to the health sector in the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on his verified social media handles on Wednesday,also commiserated with the deceased family, friends and colleagues, particularly the Nigeria Medical Association, Medical Guild, doctors, and healthcare professionals in Lagos State.

He said: “I was deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Dr. Vwaere Diaso, a dedicated medical professional whose life was taken due to a mechanical failure within the elevator at the Doctors’ Quarters of the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island. It is distressing to think that such a promising young doctor had her life cut short in such a devastating manner.

“As a parent myself, I cannot help but feel the pain and sorrow that Dr. Diaso’s loved ones must be experiencing during this difficult time. My heart goes out to her parents, family members, friends, and colleagues who are grieving this profound loss.

“To the Nigeria Medical Association, the Medical Guild, and all doctors in Lagos State, I extend my deepest sympathies. Losing a fellow healthcare professional is a tremendous loss for the entire medical community.

“In light of this tragedy, I have taken immediate action to initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of the mechanical failure. It is my sincere commitment that this investigation will be conducted with utmost transparency and fairness, leaving no room for any biases or favoritism.

“Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident.May Dr. Vwaere Diaso’s soul rest in eternal peace.”

Mohammed Shosanya

The National Assembly leadership has set up a special Committee to review the grievances of the workforce in the country.

The development was sequel to Wednesday’s protest staged by members of the organised labour over the subsidy removal policy of the federal government.

The committee which is expected to be convened and sit within seven working days will among other things review some of the factors that led to a breakdown of truce between the federal government and the organised labour.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio gave this assurance while through his representative, Senator Ali Ndume, Chief Whip of the Senate, when the protesters numbering over 5000 stormed the National Assembly.

The lawmakers said it aligns with the protest of the workers and support their struggle.

“We have keenly followed what is going on when we realized that there was a breakdown in the discussions between the Presidency and Labour. I want to assure you that we will find a permanent solution to this.

“Please give us one week and we will make progress and if you are not satisfied with the progress we are making, then you can take further actions.A committee has been setup to look into the demands of organised labour,” he added.

He assured that by close of the day or tomorrow, they will call the first meeting with labour to start the discussions and the engagements would continue.

“We will do our best as your representatives to come out with solutions acceptable to you and realistic enough,”he said.

He also assured that the letter which contained their demands and terms of reference would be handed over to the leadership of the Senate.

The protest which was peaceful saw some of the protesters carrying placards with inscription such as; “Stop Corruption, Not Subsidy”,We Condemn Increase in School Fees, “Stop Importation of Petrol, Revive the Refineries,” ”Increase in Price of Fuel Responsible for Inflation, Poverty among others.

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Mr Joe Ajaero said the mass protest was to express workers’ frustrations and grievances over what he described as anti-poor policies that had brought hardship on Nigerians.

He said: ”For almost two months now, we have been engaged in discussions without fruitfulness. We got frustrated.”

He,however,said that the demands of the labour include the immediate implementation of the resolutions jointly signed with organised Labour and government.

Ajaero also sought immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of government including the recent hike in PMS price, school fees and VAT.

He also urged the Federal Government to fix the countrys’ local refineries in Porthacourt, Warri and Kaduna.

Ajaero also stated that government should order the release of eight months withheld salaries of university lecturers.

“Accord appropriate recognition and support to the Presidential Steering Committee and the work of its sub-‘committees.We want government to put a stop to in-human actions and policies of government,” he added.

Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress lamented the cost of governance in Nigeria, saying a reduction would be necessary.

He accused the government of being “insensitive to the plight of the masses.”

“The Nigerian masses have been battered. They have gone through excruciating pains but in all of this, we have not heard what the President has to say about the cost of governance.We want you in the National Assembly to show sacrifice. We want you to cut down your budget.

“We want you to buy Nigerian made cars and not imported vehicles because you are creating jobs over there and importing poverty here.We want you to show leadership because we elected you to work for us,” he said.