Minister Accuses HIV Positive Nigerians Of Blackmailing Buhari
The Nigerian government on Tuesday accused its citizens living with HIV/AIDS of blackmailing President Muhammadu Buhari.
This follows a petition jointly written by the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), the Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CISHAN), amongst others, where they decried the ‘‘native impact’’ the strike of the Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU) was having on their members.
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The Health Minister, Professor Isaac Adewole, in reaction to the letter endorsed by at least 13 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), asked the unions to withdraw their letter for amounting to ‘‘blackmail’’.
Mr Adewole, who spoke through Dr Sunday Aboje, the National Coordinator, HIV/AIDS Division, accused the unions of taking sides in JOHESU’s strike action that has lasted for over 33 days.
“The government acknowledges your concern regarding the negative impact this strike action is having on the health services in the country generally, treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS inclusive, and assures your organizations that it is doing everything possible to facilitate early resolution of this industrial dispute,’’ said the minister.
“It is important to remind you that as responsible organizations, you are expected to be part of the facilitation of early resolution of this industrial dispute and not to take sides or blame parties or individuals. The content of your letter was intended to blackmail the HMH and should be withdrawn.
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“Information available to us shows that health workers lawfully discharging their duties were assaulted manhandled and chased away from their duty-posts by officials of this striking union.
“You are also aware of the role played by the trustees of Kingdom Human Right Foundation International, who got an injunction from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria. We should all follow up and make Joint Health Workers Union, JOHESU obey the ruling and suspend the strike by resuming at their duty posts and provide healthcare to Nigerians.’’
