Court Orders Resident Doctors To Suspend Strike

The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned to September 15 the suit the Federal Government brought against the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors.

Justice John Targema also ordered the striking resident doctors to suspend the strike it started on August 2.

He made the order on Monday while delivering ruling on an ex parte application brought before the court by the government.

The court noted that the application was granted after carefully considering the process filed by the applicants.

According to Justice Targema, “Having looked especially on the affidavit of extreme urgency, the grounds of the application, the affidavit in support of same and arguments of counsel for the applicant.

“I also weighed the submissions and arguments of counsel on the law as it stands on this application.

“It is hereby ordered that claimant/applicant and the defendant/respondent suspend all forms of hostilities forthwith pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

He also directed that the issuance and service of hearing notice for the motion on notice be served.

“This matter is accordingly adjourned to 15th September 2021 for hearing of the motion on notice and/or any other pending application.

“Hearing notice and the originating processes be issued and served on the defendant/respondent. Proof of service of same be filed in the case file before the adjourned date,” Justice Targema added.

Recall that the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Government through the Ministry of Labour and Employment had filed an ex parte motion praying the court for an interlocutory injunction restraining the members of NARD in all the states of the federation from continuing with the strike action it commenced on August 2.