Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Elegant Nurses Forum, a body of Nigerian nurses, has strongly condemned the suspension of the Chairperson of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, Kaduna, describing the action as a clear case of victimisation aimed at silencing a union leader who has consistently championed improved welfare and working conditions for nurses. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the group rejected the hospital management's claim that the chairperson was suspended for providing temporary shelter to stranded nursing students, calling the explanation "unreasonable and unbelievable".
The forum argued that the suspension, ordered by the hospital's Chief Medical Director, was a retaliatory move against the union leader for her role in leading nurses' demands for the implementation of the approved Nursing Scheme of Service and improved welfare. "The suspension is nothing but an act of victimisation aimed at silencing a union leader who has consistently fought for the welfare and dignity of Nurses," the statement read. The group pointed out that doctors had accommodated colleagues in hospital call rooms without attracting disciplinary action, insisting that management was selectively targeting a nursing leader. "It is therefore unacceptable for the management to criminalise an act of compassion simply because it involved a Nursing leader. Such selective punishment exposes the real motive behind the suspension," the ENF said.
The forum listed unresolved grievances that have fuelled the industrial dispute, including the employment of registered nurses on CONHESS 6 instead of the approved CONHESS 7 salary grade, the exclusion of the Head of Nursing Department from the hospital's top management committee, non-payment of uniform allowances, delayed promotion of eligible nurses, and the removal of the Principal Nursing Officer cadre from the approved scheme of service. The group also alleged the employment of unlicensed nurses and non-nurses to perform duties reserved for registered nurses. "These are legitimate labour concerns that directly affect patient care, staff morale and the quality of healthcare delivery. Instead of resolving them through dialogue, management has chosen the path of intimidation," the statement added.
The ENF claimed that nurses at the hospital had previously embarked on a 108-day industrial action over the welfare issues but alleged that management responded by victimising those who led the protest instead of addressing their demands. The forum also expressed deep concern over the reported involvement of operatives of the Department of State Services during the industrial dispute. "We are equally disturbed by reports that officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) intervened during the industrial dispute in a manner perceived by many Nurses as coercive and favourable to management," it said. "Security agencies should never be used as instruments for suppressing legitimate trade union activities or compelling workers to abandon lawful industrial actions. Their constitutional responsibility is to protect citizens and national security, not to interfere in collective bargaining or intimidate workers exercising their legal rights".
Citing Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as International Labour Organization Conventions 87 and 98, the forum argued that victimising a union leader for carrying out lawful trade union activities violated both national and international labour standards. The group demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended chairperson and a reversal of the demotion of affected nurses.
The suspension has also triggered a broader backlash from the National Association of Federal Health Institution Nurses and Midwives, which has threatened nationwide industrial action over alleged victimisation, salary irregularities, and unpaid allowances. The National Secretary of NANNM-FHI, Enya Osinachi, said the union was deeply concerned about the suspension and the alleged demotion of some nurses at the hospital. The association's National Executive Council resolved that the management should reinstate the suspended unit chairman and reverse the demotion within 72 hours, warning that failure to comply would compel the association to mobilise nurses in all federal health institutions for industrial action. The NEC also called for the removal of the Medical Director of the hospital over alleged high-handedness, victimisation, and disregard for a signed agreement with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
As the 72-hour ultimatum issued by the national nurses' body expires, the Federal Government and the hospital management face mounting pressure to resolve the dispute and avert a nationwide industrial action that could cripple healthcare services across federal health institutions. For now, the suspended union chairperson remains in limbo, and the nurses at the Kaduna psychiatric hospital continue to demand justice, fair treatment, and the respect they say their profession deserves.
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