Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, on Monday, met with the officials of the Joint Health Sector Union and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU), FCT chapter, over the planned strike action following irregularities in salary payment.
Mr Gbajabiamila begged the health workers to extend the ultimatum given to the FCT Administration on the matter.
POLITICS NIGERIA understands that the health workers on May 7 gave the government up to May 28 to address the issues of irregularities in salary payment since January.
Other issues include non-payment of arrears of promotion from 2016, 2017 and 2018, delay in the release of conversion and proper placement of some of the workers, among others.
While pleading with the FCT health workers, the speaker assured them the House would deliberate on the matter at plenary on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, and come up with a strong resolution.
He also said the house will meet with officials from the FCTA, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office and IPPIS officials to ensure that all issues are resolved with immediate effect.
Speaking at the meeting, the chairman of JOHESU, FCT chapter, Deborah Yusufu, while commending the Speaker for his intervention and for being physically present on two occasions to meet with them as well as directing the House Committee on Healthcare Services to continue meeting them, said she will take the speaker’s position back to her union.
She also commended the Speaker and the House for recognising health workers and their sacrifices in the fight against COVID-19 by way of standing ovation during plenary last week.
POLITICS NIGERIA gathered the meeting had the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Peter Akpatason; Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu; Chairman House Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon. Tanko Sununu, Chairman House Committee on Defence, and Hon. Babajimi Benson in attendance.
JOHESU officials present were Shanabo Abubakar, Simon Audu, Kamaldeen Ibrahim, TIjjani Mufutau and Jama Medan.
