I have decided to write u this open letter which is perhaps the first of its kind in the history of NARD. Your rise to the most coveted office as far as NARD is concerned did not come to us as a bang. The possible reasons are the fact that you had studied and participated in NARD activities for over a decade during which period you were influential in negotiations and decision making as it concerned Nigerian doctors. Therefore when NARD secretariat was zoned to the North East, every tongue wagged and on 'everybody's' lips was ASKIRA, ASKIRA, ASKIRA!

 

Consequently, before the year wrapped up in 2015, you were sworn in as the NARD president - a position I do not envy at all. Not surprisingly, expectations were high. The problems bedeveling NARDites were too many - embargo on employment, relativity and skipping arears/universal applicability. Several months of salaries were being owed to doctors working in the state hospitals. Later on, four tertiary hospitals were being owed December 2015 salary. Whosoever thought that NARD leadership was going to have a nuptial dance with all these knife-edge problems must have been having a pipe dream.

 

Approximately half way down the line, many problems still abound, no wonder the drums of industrial action which so far have been epileptically managed. The lackluster prosecution of the warning strike of May 2016 and the pallid and often confusing disposition of some members of the NOC/NEC leaves a lot to desire. May 30, the supposed deadline given to government to meet our demands is here already. 

 

The truth be told, a handful of centers in the south develop jacksonian seizures when it comes to implementing Government circulars especially when it will be beneficial to the doctors. But in my opinion, NARD often treat these problems with kids gloves that is what explains the lopesidedness in the implementation of payment of skipping to our members. Another embarrassing example is the December 2015 salary of 4 centers as mentioned above. 

 

I was privy to a notice from the NARD president last week asking the ARD in UCH, LUTH, and UBTH to confirm cash backing of their December salary from their different heads of account. I wonder what happened to the 4th center, FMC, owerri. I was told we have a lot of hidden issues delaying ours. On a deeper inquest, I was told the 'role' we played during the leadership crisis that befell the institution last year may be responsible for the peculiar delays in releasing that salary. Mr President, I'd prefer that this kind of stories be left for tales by moonlight. If this is true, it sounds unreasonable, uncanny and prejudiced!

 

For avoidance of doubt, ARD FMC, OWERRI was not on any form of industrial disharmony as at the time in question. Therefore, whipping up such ugly sentiments which is entirely against the rules of engagement in labor disputes is sheer madness. If NARD will allow these selective injustices, then it shall be written in the sands of time that once upon a time, all animals were equal, but some animals were more equal than others. Apologies to George Orwell. This leadership style where some centers are allowed to flourish while others wallow in disdain is capable of creating unwarranted rifts and fault lines on the unity and strength of NARD.

 

When I look at the past, I have reasons to believe that our present NARD leadership have the sagacity, political will and selflessness to lead us aright. I expect that as these issues come up in Jos, Mr president, that they be managed with utmost honesty and every sincerity of purpose. 

 

Have a blessed week!