JOHESU strike: Your letter is blackmail – Minister tells HIV/AIDS patients

The Federal Government on Tuesday described the petition written by the Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, CISHAN and Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, NEPWHAN and 11 other Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, as an attempt to blackmail the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

DAILY POST recalls that Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, among others, had in the petition, threatened to hold both Ministers accountable for any death of theirvmembers or any other negative consequences the protracted industrial action would have on their lives or treatment.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole in a statement, stated that as responsible CSOs they should be part of the facilitation of early resolution of the industrial dispute and not to take sides or blame parties or individuals.

“The government acknowledges your concern regarding the negative impact this strike action is having on the health services in the country generally, treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS inclusive, and assures your organizations that it is doing everything possible to facilitate early resolution of this industrial dispute.
“It is important to remind you that as responsible organizations, you are expected to be part of the facilitation of early resolution of this industrial dispute and not to take sides or blame parties or individuals. The content of your letter was intended to blackmail the HMH and should be withdrawn,” he said.
Adewole, who spoke through the National Coordinator, HIV/AIDS Division, Dr. Sunday Aboje noted that while awaiting early resolution of the industrial dispute, government was doing her possible best to keep the health facilities open so that people living with HIV and other patients can access healthcare.

“Information available to us shows that health workers lawfully discharging their duties were assaulted manhandled and chased away from their duty-posts by officials of this striking union.
“You are also aware of the role played by the trustees of Kingdom Human Right Foundation International, who got an injunction from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria. We should all follow up and make Joint Health Workers Union, JOHESU obey the ruling and suspend the strike by resuming at their duty posts and provide healthcare to Nigerians.”