In Kano State, Governor Abba Yusuf has made a heartfelt appeal to doctors, urging them to end their strike. The strike began after reports surfaced that a female doctor was allegedly assaulted by the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital. In response, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) demanded the commissioner’s dismissal and set a 48-hour deadline, threatening to strike if their request wasn’t met.

Speaking in a live broadcast with journalists, Governor Yusuf expressed disappointment that the NMA chose to proceed with the strike, calling it a “dispute between two adults.” He reminded the doctors that the government has consistently valued and supported their profession and welfare over the years, highlighting a history of mutual respect between doctors and the state administration.

The governor assured residents that he acted swiftly upon learning of the incident by setting up a committee to investigate. The report is already completed and on his desk, awaiting action. Governor Yusuf emphasized his commitment to ensuring justice, promising that any official found at fault would face appropriate consequences.

In his appeal, Yusuf encouraged the doctors to consider the impact on patients, particularly the most vulnerable, like pregnant women and those in critical need of medical care. “The lives of 20 million Kano residents could be affected by this strike,” he said, emphasizing that a disagreement should not come at the expense of public health.

Apologizing on behalf of the government, the governor urged the NMA to reconsider its stance and prioritize the health of Kano residents. He reassured the doctors and the public that the government would handle the situation fairly, with accountability for anyone involved in the incident.